© picture alliance / MAXPPP | Grégory YETCHMENIZA
The G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, has entered its second day. In a statement released after the first day, the G7 leaders pledged to continue providing military support to Ukraine and to increase pressure on Russia.
"We commend Ukraine for its resilience and the progress it has made on the battlefield in recent months, and emphasize that a new momentum has now been created. In order to support and accelerate this new momentum, we agree to expand the delivery of air defense capabilities, additional systems and interceptor missiles, and long-range capabilities. We are also prepared to consider granting Ukraine licenses that would enable an expansion of Ukrainian military production,” the statement reads.
The G7 is signaling new sanctions against Russia: “We are committed to increasing pressure on the Russian war economy. In this context, we will tighten our sanctions, including those targeting the oil and gas sector.”
U.S. President Donald Trump received an extra pat on the back: “We consider this the right moment to take additional measures, as President Trump has reached an agreement—which we support—regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.”
Washington suspended sanctions against Russian oil following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. With the signing of the agreement between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict and reopen the vital trade route on the horizon, the U.S. president now appears willing to reimpose sanctions against Russia.
In a post on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the support received: “The G7 summit in France has yielded important results for Ukraine. Most importantly, we have reached an agreement on further strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. New measures will be taken to put pressure on Russia over its war—pressure in the interest of peace. Our partners will provide support for our defense and our energy resilience.”
"It is important that we share a common understanding of the key challenges and the concrete steps to address them. Our global unity is effectively limiting Russia’s ability to continue this insane and criminal aggression against Ukraine. I thank everyone who is helping us!” Zelensky wrote.
Picture: © picture alliance / MAXPPP | Grégory YETCHMENIZA