EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — Leaders of the Group of Seven nations concluded their summit this week with a renewed commitment to support Ukraine and increase economic pressure on Russia, agreeing to strengthen sanctions and expand assistance for Kyiv as the conflict continues into a fifth year.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday at the end of the three-day summit in the French lakeside city, G7 leaders said they remained united in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and would intensify measures aimed at Russia’s economy, including its energy sector. “We will strengthen our sanctions, including those on the oil and gas sectors,” the leaders said in the statement.
The summit brought together leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with representatives of the European Union. Discussions focused on international security, economic challenges and ongoing support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attended meetings with G7 leaders and said afterward that Ukraine had secured commitments to strengthen air defenses, support energy infrastructure and maintain economic pressure on Moscow. According to statements released after the talks, leaders discussed additional military assistance and measures intended to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the summit demonstrated a “shared commitment” among G7 members regarding Ukraine, while several European leaders welcomed what they described as closer alignment among member states on sanctions and support measures.
The United Kingdom announced a new package of sanctions targeting Russian interests and unveiled an energy cooperation initiative intended to support Ukraine’s power sector. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the measures were designed to increase pressure on Russia while helping Ukraine maintain essential services.
The summit took place amid continued fighting in Ukraine and ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Russia, Ukraine and Western governments. Kremlin officials criticized discussions at the gathering, with foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov saying European leaders had influenced U.S. policy discussions on Ukraine.
Leaders also discussed energy security, including efforts to diversify supply routes and reduce vulnerabilities in global energy markets. The final communiqué linked those discussions to broader concerns about economic stability and geopolitical risks.
As the summit concluded on June 17, officials said member countries would continue coordinating sanctions policy and military assistance through existing international mechanisms. No timetable was announced for additional measures, but leaders said consultations on support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia would continue in the coming months.
