From afar, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in his nightly video address called on global representatives gathered in Saudi Araba for a summit on the Ukraine war to ensure that rules-based international order be maintained, even in the face of disagreements over other world affairs.
"Different continents, different political approaches to world affairs. But all are united by the priority of international law," he said on August 5.
Zelenskiy said that "the international rules-based order, violated by Russian aggression, must be restored."
He also urged that the participants of the summit -- attended by some 40 countries and organizations, including the European Union, Britain, the United States, and China, but not Russia -- conduct additional bilateral negotiations while there in an effort to bring a "just peace" to Ukraine and an end to Russian "bombs and missiles."
The first day of the two-day meeting in Jeddah concluded late on August 5 with no joint statement after a long closed session but with further meetings scheduled for August 6.
A European source told AFP agreements had been reached on several matters, including the principle that respect for Ukraine's "territorial integrity and sovereignty" should be "at the heart of any peace settlement."
Four members of the so-called BRICS group -- which have close ties to Russia -- did attend: Brazil, India, China, and South Africa.
"China participated actively and was positive" about further meetings, the European source said.
Western diplomats said Saudi efforts were key in bringing China to the summit.
Saudi Arabia has attempted to maintain relations with both Russia and Ukraine since the Kremlin's Februrary 2022 invasion.
China and India have also maintained close ties with Russia and have not condemned the Kremlin for the war.
The head of Brazil’s delegation, Celso Amorim, said in prepared remarks seen by AFP that "any real negotiation must include all parties," including Russia.
"Although Ukraine is the biggest victim, if we really want peace, we have to involve Moscow in this process in some form," he said.
The gathering is part of a drive by Kyiv to reach out to countries outside of its core Western backers.
Zelenskiy has expressed hopes that participants can agree to principles for a summit of global leaders in the autumn.
Although not attending, Russia said it would monitor the talks.