EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — Leaders of the Group of Seven nations agreed on Wednesday to increase pressure on Russia over the conflict in Ukraine, pledging additional sanctions and reaffirming support for Kyiv following discussions at the G7 summit in France, according to a joint statement and officials attending the meeting.
The leaders said they remained united in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and committed to strengthening measures targeting Russia’s economy, including the oil and gas sectors. The statement was issued after talks involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the leaders of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom.
“We commit to increase the pressure on the Russian war economy,” the G7 leaders said in their declaration, adding that sanctions on Russia’s energy sector would be strengthened.
The agreement came amid renewed diplomatic efforts to advance peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump, who met Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the summit, said Moscow should reach an agreement to end the conflict.
“Russia should make a deal,” Trump told reporters after the meeting, according to statements carried by multiple media outlets.
French officials said the leaders agreed that additional economic measures were warranted and that support for Ukraine would continue. According to a French diplomatic source, the summit discussions included further sanctions on Russian oil and gas exports as well as continued military and financial assistance for Kyiv.
Zelenskyy urged allies to maintain pressure on Moscow and expand support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities. In comments released after the meetings, he said Ukraine’s priorities included additional air-defense systems, interceptor missiles and broader international backing.
The conflict, which escalated following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, remained a central topic throughout the three-day summit. Leaders also discussed energy security, global trade and developments in the Middle East. Officials said a recent U.S.-Iran agreement and efforts to stabilize energy markets were factors considered during discussions on additional measures against Russia.
Russia did not immediately comment on the G7 declaration. Moscow has previously criticized Western sanctions and maintained that such measures have failed to alter its policy objectives.
As the summit concluded on Wednesday, G7 leaders said they would continue coordinating support for Ukraine and reviewing additional sanctions measures. Details regarding the timing and scope of any new restrictions were not immediately released.
