KANANASKIS, Alberta — Leaders of the Group of Seven nations discussed additional measures to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses during meetings at the G7 summit in Canada this week, as Kyiv continued to seek support in response to ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks, officials said.
The discussions took place during summit sessions attended by leaders from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, along with invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Canadian officials said support for Ukraine remained a central topic at the gathering, which concluded on Tuesday.
According to statements released by several participating governments, leaders reviewed Ukraine’s military needs, including air-defense systems, interceptor missiles and broader security assistance. The talks followed recent Russian attacks that Ukrainian authorities said targeted cities and critical infrastructure across the country.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said G7 members remained committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. “We will continue to stand with Ukraine as it defends itself,” Carney said in remarks released by his office following summit discussions.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly called for additional air-defense capabilities, arguing that existing systems are under pressure from continued missile and drone strikes. Ukrainian authorities say stronger defenses are needed to protect civilians and infrastructure. Russia has maintained that its military operations are directed at what it describes as military and strategic targets.
The summit discussions occurred amid continued diplomatic efforts by Western governments to coordinate military and economic assistance for Ukraine. Since the escalation of the conflict in 2022, G7 countries have provided military aid, financial assistance and sanctions support aimed at helping Kyiv sustain its defense and government operations.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron both raised the issue of long-term security assistance during summit meetings, according to statements from their governments. Officials said leaders discussed ways to improve coordination among allies and maintain supplies of defensive equipment.
Details regarding any new air-defense commitments remained unclear as of Wednesday. Several governments indicated that discussions were ongoing and that announcements would be made by individual countries rather than through a collective summit declaration.
Russia criticized continued Western military assistance to Ukraine. Russian officials have previously argued that additional weapons deliveries prolong the conflict, while Ukraine and its allies contend that defensive support is necessary to protect the country from ongoing attacks.
The G7 summit concluded with leaders reaffirming support for Ukraine and pledging continued coordination on security issues. Officials said further consultations among defense ministers and allied governments are expected in the coming weeks as requests for additional air-defense assistance remain under review.
