During a recent summit in Canada, leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) pledged their unwavering support to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russia escalated its military actions against Ukraine. The summit comes at a time when international solidarity is vital, especially after one of the most devastating bombings of Kyiv since the start of the invasion in February 2022, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 10 lives.
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Although U.S. President Donald Trump and President Zelensky had been expected to meet, Trump left the summit prematurely to address escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. This move further underscored the unpredictable nature of his relationship with the Ukrainian leader.
Prime Minister Mark Carney officially welcomed Mr. Zelensky to the picturesque Canadian Rockies and announced a robust package of military support for Ukraine, totaling two billion Canadian dollars, which includes essential resources like drones and helicopters. “This commitment reflects our dedication to standing by Ukraine in its time of need,” Carney stated.
The G7, consisting of the industrial democracies—Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States—engaged in discussions about increasing sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting its ‘shadow fleet’ of ships that are being used to bypass international restrictions on oil sales. Britain aims to apply economic pressure to communicate to Russian President Vladimir Putin that peace is in his best interest. “These sanctions strike right at the heart of Putin’s war machine, choking off his ability to continue his barbaric war in Ukraine,” noted Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
While U.S. lawmakers have been busy drafting new sanctions, President Trump has shown reluctance to fully endorse these moves, as he seeks to maintain a working relationship with Putin—a relationship that has seen its ups and downs. Notably, Trump expressed disappointment over Putin’s dismissal of a proposed temporary ceasefire, adding a layer of complexity to his foreign policy stance.
Amidst the tumultuous discussions, President Zelensky expressed heartfelt concern over the impact of Russia’s latest attack, referring to it as a “big tragedy” for countless Ukrainian families. He reiterated the importance of ally support and indicated his willingness to engage in negotiations. “It’s crucial for our soldiers to remain resilient on the battlefield until Russia is ready for peace talks,” Zelensky emphasized. “We are prepared for negotiations—an unconditional ceasefire is essential, and for that, we need sustained pressure.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also took a stand, asserting that Putin was exploiting global distractions, such as the situation in the Middle East, to carry out his attacks on Ukraine. “This reflects the outright cynicism of President Putin,” Macron remarked, highlighting the grave reality facing Ukrainians.
This G7 summit marks the first gathering since Trump returned to power, bringing new dynamics into the discussions about global alliances and trade. While Trump’s early departure was noted by some as a potential relief for ongoing talks, a diplomat from a G7 nation remarked, “Obviously with Trump gone, discussions might flow a bit smoother, but his absence also means a less impactful presence in the room.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained to represent the U.S. as conversations continued around Trump’s proposed overhaul of international trade agreements.
As rhetoric heightened over trade, Trump lamented that the European Union had yet to offer what he considered a “fair deal.” “We are either going to strike a good deal or they’ll simply pay whatever we dictate,” he stated. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed hope for a negotiated resolution, indicating that discussions remained “intense and demanding.” Meanwhile, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba highlighted the significance of the automotive sector and the ongoing negotiations between the countries.
Each of these discussions underscores a pivotal moment not just for Ukraine, but also for the landscape of global politics.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
