G7 Summit Supports Ukraine with New Sanctions and Aid

The Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Canada concluded without a final written statement but with verbal support for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky participated in a special session dedicated to Ukraine and held several bilateral meetings. The G7 leaders reaffirmed their intentions to continue supporting Ukraine, but no final document was published. Let’s review the outcomes this summit brought for Ukraine.

It was expected that the summit would serve as a platform for Zelensky to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly regarding arms supplies. However, Trump shortened his visit and left Canada before Zelensky’s arrival. He took part in panels focused on trade, signed an agreement with the United Kingdom to reduce tariffs, and then returned to the U.S.

“Much has been achieved, but because of what is happening in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving here tonight after dinner with the heads of state.”

According to sources, Trump stayed for the official dinner to discuss geopolitical issues, including the Israel-Iran conflict and the war in Ukraine. The G7 leaders expressed cautious optimism that the U.S. views sanctions as an important tool to pressure Russia. All participants verbally agreed on the need to increase pressure to achieve a ceasefire.

However, the U.S. and other countries held differing positions on sanctions policy. A Canadian government representative noted that Washington insisted on softer wording in the statement than other G7 members proposed. Ottawa was unwilling to publish a weak statement, which complicated reaching an agreement, especially due to U.S. attempts to negotiate a ceasefire or peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

“Don’t forget, you know, sanctions cost us a lot of money. When I impose sanctions on a country, it costs the U.S. a lot of money, huge amounts of money. It’s not just, let’s sign a document that talks about billions and billions of dollars. Sanctions are not that simple. It’s not just a one-way street.”

As a result of the summit, the G7 leaders signed six joint statements concerning artificial intelligence, smuggling, migrants, critical minerals, wildfires, and support for Israel’s security. However, no joint declaration on support for Ukraine was published.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized at a press conference that verbal support for Ukraine is included in his concluding statement as chair. He noted that the leaders agreed on the importance of supporting Ukraine and maximizing pressure on Russia, including through financial sanctions.

“Recognition of the importance of President Trump’s initiative to achieve lasting peace – fully supported; we are committed to using all possible options to maximize pressure on Russia, including financial sanctions – supported; we acknowledge that only Ukraine has committed to an unconditional ceasefire – supported; and we all agree that Russia must do the same.”

Canada also announced new financial aid for Ukraine, introducing one of the largest sanction packages against Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion. The new restrictions affected 77 individuals, 39 organizations, nearly 1,000 goods, and 201 vessels.

Mark Carney reported that Canada is providing additional military aid, including drones, helicopters, and ammunition worth over 2 billion Canadian dollars, as well as distributing the next tranche of a loan exceeding 2 billion Canadian dollars, based on frozen Russian assets.

The United Kingdom also announced new sanctions against Russia, targeting four individuals, six organizations, and 20 vessels, including oil tankers and maritime companies supplying goods to Russia, such as electronics.