G7 Leaders Pledge Increased Support for Ukraine, Strengthened Sanctions on Russia

G7 leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, have issued a joint declaration at their summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, pledging increased military support for Ukraine and strengthened sanctions against Russia. The declaration, published shortly after midnight on Wednesday, stated, "We, the Leaders of the G7, stand united in our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."

The leaders committed to "increase the pressure on the Russian war economy" and to "strengthen our sanctions, including those on the oil and gas sectors." The document specifically mentioned that with the U.S. and Iran having reached an agreement to end hostilities, it is now easier to take more economic measures against Russia. "We consider this the right moment to proceed with additional measures, as President Trump has delivered a deal that we support in reopening the Strait of Hormuz," the declaration read.

Further commitments included an increase in the delivery of air defense capacities, additional systems and interceptors, and long-range capabilities to Ukraine. The G7 also agreed to consider extending licenses to allow for an increase in Ukraine's military production. French President Emmanuel Macron described the summit as a "moment of strategic wake-up call," emphasizing that these decisions were backed by all G7 members.

The declaration also welcomed the U.S.-Iran agreement and supported an international mission, led by the U.K. and France, to protect ships and facilitate trade in the Strait of Hormuz. Leaders called for alternative energy supply routes, noting Canada's potential to deliver significant additional capacity to global markets. The G7 also addressed China, opposing "any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, in particular by force or coercion, in the East and South China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait."