World must always support 'pre-emptive measures to forestall violence, war': Ukraine president Zelenskyy

SINGAPORE — The world must always support “preemptive measures to forestall violence”, or risk allowing political leaders to increase their power unchecked, said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“We need a diplomatic resolution to support countries that are in need of help. We must not leave them behind at the mercy of another country, which is more powerful in financial terms, in territorial terms and in terms of equipment," said Mr Zelenskyy, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday (June 11).

The Ukrainian leader said this in response to a question from a delegate at the defence summit, who had asked his thoughts on Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's keynote speech the day before on East Asia becoming the next Ukraine, in reference to tensions between China and Taiwan.

During his 12-minute speech via a live stream from a secret location in Kyiv, Ukraine, Mr Zalenskyy also called upon the world’s support to stop the war Russia has waged against his country.

“Russia strives to render it impossible for a neighbouring country which it regards solely as its colony to be able to exist freely and independently,” he said through a translator, painting an elaborate picture of destruction, killing and looting that has happened since the invasion started in February.