Leaders of the Group of Seven have pledged to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences and intensify economic pressure on Russia, including tougher sanctions targeting Moscow’s oil and gas sectors.
In a statement issued at the G7 summit in France on Wednesday, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s fight to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We, the Leaders of the G7, stand united in our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” the statement said.
The bloc, comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union, announced plans to accelerate the supply of air defence systems, additional interceptors and long-range capabilities to Kyiv.
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“To support and accelerate this new momentum, we agree to increase the delivery of air defence capacities, additional systems and interceptors, and long range capabilities,” the leaders stated.
According to Al Jazeera, the G7 also signalled readiness to allow Ukraine greater access to licences that would help expand its domestic military production, a key demand from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the country faces shortages of advanced air defence systems.
The announcement followed Zelenskyy’s meetings with United States President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the summit.
The leaders further agreed to tighten sanctions against Russia’s war economy, particularly its energy sector, saying the recent agreement between the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz created an opportunity to take additional measures.
“We commit to increase the pressure on the Russian war economy,” the statement said.
During the summit, Trump appeared to adopt a firmer tone towards Moscow, saying Russia should reach an agreement to end the conflict.
“Look, Russia should make a deal,” Trump told reporters. “I settled eight wars. This was the one I thought was going to be the easiest to settle.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Washington’s approach towards Russia had shifted.
“There has been a change in position on the part of the United States and President Trump. There is a position that is harder toward Russia and more realistic, in our view, of the situation on the ground of the war,” Carney said.
Zelenskyy welcomed the commitments from the G7, saying Ukraine had secured promises of additional air defence missiles, support for winter preparations and stronger international pressure on Russia.
“It is key that everything discussed be implemented. Russia must come to learn that its war will never be normalised,” he wrote on X.
The G7 also welcomed the United States and Iran agreement to restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with Britain and France supporting international efforts to protect commercial vessels and ensure maritime security.
The leaders called for an immediate and strong ceasefire in Lebanon to support efforts by the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah, safeguard the country’s sovereignty and maintain territorial stability.
Later on Wednesday, G7 leaders were expected to discuss critical minerals, global economic imbalances and the future of artificial intelligence, with the discussions aimed at reducing dependence on China in strategic sectors, according to Al Jazeera.
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