US support for Ukraine unwavering regardless of Peace Summit representation – White House

The White House has stressed that the United States' support for Ukraine will remain unchanged, regardless of who represents the US at the planned Peace Summit in Switzerland.

John Kirby, ​​US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, was asked if President Joe Biden was concerned that not attending the summit might send the wrong signal to the global community about the importance of supporting peace in Ukraine. 

"The United States and President Biden have been there for President Zelenskyy and for the people of Ukraine, and that will continue regardless of who sits in what chair at the peace summit," Kirby noted.

He said that since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, "no other leader has done as much and continues to do as much as President Biden does to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression."

"And the President has made commitments to Ukraine to be there for the long term," Kirby added.

On 29 May, the White House confirmed that the US will participate in the planned Peace Summit in Switzerland.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the leaders of the US and China to personally participate in the Peace Summit.

He also stated that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin would be pleased if Biden ignored the Peace Summit in Switzerland.

However, media reports indicate that Biden is likely to miss the Peace Summit as it coincides with a fundraising event for his re-election campaign in California.