Leaders of the Group of Seven, convening at a summit in Canada, have pledged new support to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russia intensifies its assaults on Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump, who has experienced a tumultuous relationship with Zelensky, was scheduled to meet him but departed the summit early to return to Washington due to the Israel-Iran conflict.
Zelensky arrived at the remote resort in the Canadian Rockies following some of the most severe bombardments of Kyiv since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, resulting in at least 10 casualties in the capital.
Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed Zelensky and announced a military support package worth two billion Canadian dollars, which includes drones and helicopters for Ukraine.
The leaders of the industrial democracies – Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States
Carney also collaborated with Britain to enforce stricter sanctions on Russia’s alleged shadow fleet of vessels used to bypass international restrictions on oil sales.
The UK stated its intention to amplify economic pressure to demonstrate to Russian President Vladimir Putin that ending the war would be in his interest.
“These sanctions target the core of Putin’s war machinery, hindering his capacity to sustain his barbaric campaign in Ukraine,” stated Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
US Reluctance
US lawmakers have also crafted a new sanctions proposal against Russia, but Trump has shown reluctance to endorse it, expressing his desire to maintain relations with Putin, whom he spoke with prior to the G7 summit.
Notoriously, Trump criticized Zelensky in the Oval Office on February 28, calling him ungrateful for US aid, yet subsequently expressed disappointment over Putin’s dismissal of an American proposal for a temporary ceasefire.
Zelensky, his voice thick with emotion, conveyed to Carney that the latest Russian offensive was a “great tragedy” for families in Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity for allies’ support, and reiterated his endorsement of Trump-led calls for negotiations.
“It is vital for our soldiers to remain strong on the battlefield, holding firm until Russia is prepared for peace talks,” Zelensky stated.
“We are open to peace negotiations – an unconditional ceasefire. For this, we need pressure.”
Donald Trump exited the summit a day early.
French President Emmanuel Macron accused his Russian counterpart of taking advantage of global focus on the Middle East to execute the devastating attack on Kyiv.
“This showcases President Putin’s utter cynicism,” Macron informed reporters at the summit.
Challenging Trade Discussions
The G7 – comprising Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States – was convening its first summit since Trump’s return to power, a period marked by his open skepticism toward long-standing US alliances.
Trump appeared to be in relatively good spirits before leaving early.
“With Trump’s departure, discussions may proceed more smoothly; however, they might lack impact with the absence of the most powerful nation,” a diplomat from a G7 country remarked, requesting anonymity.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained to represent the US at the summit, where discussions also centered on Trump’s ambitious plans to radically transform the global trading system.
Trump has pledged to impose extensive tariffs on both allies and adversaries on July 9, although he has postponed this action previously.
The US president, speaking to journalists during his return from the summit, complained that the European Union had not yet offered a “fair deal” in trade.
“We’re either going to strike a good deal, or they will comply with whatever terms we set,” he stated.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed hope for a negotiated resolution, asserting that discussions were “intense and demanding.”
Trump’s negotiators have already secured a deal with Britain and, outside of the G7, reached an agreement to reduce tariffs with rival China.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba indicated that he had “frank” discussions with Trump on Monday but underscored the significance of automobile exports to Japan, the world’s second-largest developed economy.
“We have not reached a consensus on the overall package,” Ishiba told reporters.
