G7 Summit: US stance stalls strong Ukraine statement
Canada dropped its plan to issue a "strong" joint statement on the war in Ukraine at the close of the G7 summit it's hosting.
According to Reuters, the decision was made due to U.S. opposition. The U.S. expressed reservations about certain wording targeting Russia, fearing it could jeopardize potential negotiations with Moscow, DW reports.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is chairing the summit, reportedly intends to include some of the contentious points in his own statement. Meanwhile, G7 leaders have issued joint communiqués on other pressing issues: the conflict in the Middle East, artificial intelligence, migration, and critical mineral resources.
Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, present at the summit, criticized some allies — particularly the United States — for their lack of decisive action. He emphasized that diplomacy is in a critical state, as Vladimir Putin "openly" rejects any peace initiatives.
"Even if the American president doesn't put enough pressure on Russia, the United States remains the main global actor and has the most allies. These allies will all need strong protection," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.
The Ukrainian leader urged the G7 and Washington to adopt a stricter price cap on Russian oil — $30 a barrel, down from the currently proposed $45, which many experts consider insufficient.
Amid rising tensions related to the conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump left the summit early, returning urgently to Washington due to the escalating crisis between Iran and Israel. In separate discussions with European leaders, Trump reiterated that sanctions against Russia are costing the U.S. "billions and billions of dollars" and suggested that Europe should impose the initial new restrictive measures.
However, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Trump had reportedly promised him he wouldn't block any additional sanctions being prepared by the U.S. Congress, considering this commitment "very good news."
Separately, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced at the G7 summit a new aid package for Ukraine worth CAD 2 billion (approximately US$1.47 billion) for the acquisition of drones, ammunition, and armored vehicles.
Additionally, Ottawa will grant Ukraine a new loan of US$2.3 billion for the reconstruction of war-affected infrastructure.
At the same time, Canada introduced new sanctions against 77 individuals and 39 entities involved in circumventing restrictions imposed on Moscow, as well as against 200 vessels of Russia's so-called "ghost fleet."
Translatioin by Iurie Tataru
