EVIAN: Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) have pledged to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences and intensify economic pressure on Russia, including new sanctions targeting its oil and gas sector, according to a joint statement issued at the end of their summit in France.
The statement reaffirmed what leaders described as their “unwavering support” for Ukraine, stressing continued backing for its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the summit and held bilateral meetings with several leaders, including US President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy has repeatedly urged allies to expand military assistance, particularly advanced air defence systems and interceptor missiles, as Ukraine faces sustained aerial attacks.
Under the new commitments, G7 members agreed to increase the supply of air defence systems, interceptors and long-range capabilities. The bloc also signalled support for expanding Ukraine’s domestic defence production through licensing arrangements, which would allow Ukrainian facilities to manufacture certain weapons systems locally.
The G7 said it was prepared to step up sanctions on Russia’s energy exports, which remain a key source of revenue for Moscow’s war effort. The measures will particularly target the oil and gas sectors in an effort to further weaken Russia’s “war economy.”
The statement also referenced broader geopolitical developments, noting recent agreements involving global energy transit routes and emphasising the importance of maintaining international maritime trade stability.
Leaders reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire in conflict zones and discussed wider global security challenges, including economic instability and supply chain vulnerabilities.
The summit brought together Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union, with discussions expected to continue on strengthening global cooperation in defence, energy security and critical minerals.