Photo: EPA
G7 leaders have agreed to increase military support for Ukraine and tighten sanctions on Russia, according to a joint statement adopted at the summit in France.
The leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine’s freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while expressing solidarity with Ukrainians affected by attacks on critical infrastructure and cultural heritage sites.
To strengthen what they described as a new momentum for Ukraine, G7 countries pledged to expand deliveries of air defense systems, interceptors, and long-range capabilities. The leaders also said they are prepared to consider licensing arrangements that would allow Ukraine to increase domestic military production.
The group stressed the importance of Ukraine’s energy resilience and committed to providing additional assistance to help the country get through the upcoming winter.
G7 leaders also vowed to increase economic pressure on Russia by strengthening sanctions, particularly targeting the oil and gas sectors. They noted that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz creates conditions for additional measures against Moscow.
Beyond Ukraine, the statement welcomed the agreement between the United States and Iran and backed a UK- and France-led international mission aimed at protecting shipping and maintaining trade through the Strait of Hormuz. The leaders also called for alternative energy supply routes.
The declaration addressed broader security concerns, opposing any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait. It also expressed deep concern over North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and reaffirmed support for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
In addition, G7 members adopted statements on global partnerships, cancer research, Ebola response, combating drug trafficking, and tackling migrant smuggling. Further declarations on critical minerals and online child protection are expected to follow.
The summit highlighted an unusually united position between US President Donald Trump and other G7 leaders. Trump signaled that Washington may soon reimpose sanctions on Russian oil, while French President Emmanuel Macron described the gathering as a “moment of strategic awakening.”
