The Quad Leaders Summit on Sept. 21, which included the leaders of the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, resulted in a joint statement calling for “a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace” in Ukraine. The Quad countries form a strategic alliance with shared economic and security interests in the Indo-Pacific region. This meeting marked the group’s fourth annual leaders’ summit, where Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, and U.S. President Joe Biden convened in Wilmington, Delaware to discuss their cooperation. The joint declaration also emphasized the need for peace in Ukraine in line with international law and the UN Charter’s principles, while condemning the use or threat of nuclear weapons in the context of the war. However, the statement did not explicitly condemn Russia for its invasion, but rather emphasized the importance of refraining from the use of force against any state’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The Quad declaration on Ukraine comes at a pivotal time as world leaders gather in the U.S. ahead of the 79th U.N. General Assembly in New York City. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to present his victory plan for Ukraine to President Biden on the sidelines of the General Assembly. Zelensky will also reportedly meet with Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida during his visit to the U.S. Indian Prime Minister Modi visited Kyiv on Aug. 23, marking a significant moment as the first Indian prime minister to visit Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established over 30 years ago. Modi’s visit to Kyiv occurred shortly after his talks with Russian President Putin in Moscow, emphasizing India’s close economic and diplomatic ties with Russia since early 2022, with bilateral trade reaching a historic high in 2023.
In a separate interview, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink discussed Zelensky’s victory plan during the National Media Talk conference held in Kyiv. The Ambassador mentioned having a sense of the plan’s contours and the ongoing support offered by the U.S. through USAID and Internews. Brink highlighted the importance of media in sharing information and maintaining transparency during times of crisis, such as the conflict in Ukraine. The interview shed light on the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s efforts for peace and security amid the ongoing geopolitical challenges in the region.
The joint statement from the Quad leaders underscores the significance of cooperation among democratic nations in addressing international crises and promoting peace and stability. The Quad countries reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and principles while emphasizing the negative global impacts of the war in Ukraine on food and energy security. The leaders’ call for a lasting peace in Ukraine reflects their shared values and commitment to resolving conflicts through diplomatic means and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Quad’s continued engagement in addressing global challenges, such as the conflict in Ukraine, demonstrates the alliance’s role in promoting a rules-based order and supporting regional security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
As Ukraine presents its victory plan at the U.N. General Assembly and engages with world leaders, the international community’s support for the country’s sovereignty and peace efforts remains crucial. President Zelensky’s meetings with leaders from the Quad countries and other key allies underscore the importance of diplomatic dialogue and cooperation in addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and promoting a just and lasting peace. The Quad’s joint statement on Ukraine serves as a strong message of solidarity and support for Ukraine’s efforts, while also highlighting the need for all states to respect international law and refrain from the use of force in resolving disputes. The Quad’s leadership in addressing global challenges reinforces the alliance’s role as a key player in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, advocating for peace, security, and prosperity for all nations.
