G7 leaders have agreed to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence and step up pressure on Russia
In Evian, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a G7–Ukraine meeting attended by the leaders of the ‘Group of Seven’ nations, as well as European Union officials.
Following the summit, the G7 leaders announced their intention to increase supplies to Ukraine of air defence equipment, additional systems and interceptors, as well as long-range weapons. In addition, the countries agreed to consider the possibility of granting licences to develop Ukraine’s military production.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that key topics of discussion included increasing the number of missiles for air defence, granting licences for their production, preparing a support package for the winter period, and stepping up pressure on Russia.
During the meeting, particular attention was paid to the needs of Ukraine’s air defence. The President of Ukraine also discussed with US President Donald Trump the possibility of obtaining licences to manufacture anti-ballistic systems and missiles. According to him, teams from both countries will continue to work on this.
The leaders discussed the consequences of Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure. Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed photographs of the aftermath of the attacks and the work of rescue teams. The participants in the meeting condemned the strikes on civilian targets, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and civilians.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s intention to rebuild the sarcophagus at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station. Switzerland also expressed its readiness to contribute to the reconstruction of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
In a joint statement, the G7 leaders reaffirmed their intention to tighten sanctions against Russia, particularly in the oil and gas sectors. They also stated their readiness to continue supporting Ukraine through the coming winter.
The President of Ukraine noted that the participants in the meeting agreed on the need to end the war and expressed their conviction that, to this end, sanctions pressure on Russia must be stepped up. He specifically thanked the UK for the recent interception of a tanker belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet. According to him, other G7 nations are also considering similar measures.
The parties also discussed energy support and additional funding for the physical protection of energy infrastructure. The partners agreed to support Ukraine should it require diesel fuel, gas or petrol.
In a joint statement, the G7 nations also welcomed the announcement of the agreement between the US and Iran and expressed their readiness to contribute to its implementation. Separate emphasis was placed on concerns regarding the DPRK’s nuclear programme and the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region based on the rule of law.
During the meeting, the G7 leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s membership of the European Union and noted the opening of the first negotiation cluster.
