G7 nations fail to reach consensus on Ukraine statement, with Zelenskyy expressing concern over diplomatic stalemate
Robust Chat:
Volodymyr Zelenskyy wraps up his visit to the Group of Seven summit on Tuesday, bagging fresh aid from host Canada for Ukraine's war with Russia, but missing out on a joint statement of support from members and a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The wealthy nations attending the summit were seemingly split over the conflict in Ukraine, all thanks to Trump's backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his early exit to address the Israel-Iran crisis.
Canada ditched plans to unveil a firm statement on Ukraine's war after resistance from the United States, according to a Canadian official speaking to reporters. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced C$2 billion ($1.47 billion) in new military aid for Kyiv, along with imposing additional financial sanctions. A Russian attack overnight on Kyiv and other cities, causing at least 18 deaths, underscored the significance of standing in total solidarity with Ukraine, said Trudeau.
During their dinner in the Rocky Mountain resort area of Kananaskis on Monday, leaders emphasized the importance of using "maximum pressure against Russia" to force peace talks. Zelenskyy revealed to G7 leaders that "diplomacy is now in a state of crisis" and urged them to persist in pushing Trump to end the war.
"Even if the American President isn't putting enough pressure on Russia right now, the truth is that America still holds the broadest global interests and the largest number of allies. All of them will need strong protection," Zelenskyy shared on his Telegram account. Although Canada is one of Ukraine's most ardent supporters, its assistance is no match for America, the biggest weapons supplier. Zelenskyy was hopeful to discuss acquiring more arms with Trump.
By the time the summit concludes later on Tuesday, Trudeau plans to issue a chair statement requesting increased pressure on Russia via sanctions and stating that the G7 backs U.S.-led peace initiatives, two G7 sources revealed. Canada is currently presiding over the rotating G7 presidency.
Without Trump's signature, the statement won't be a collective G7 communication. A European official reported that leaders pressed Trump to toughen his stance on Russia, which Trump allegedly found impressive. However, it seems Trump hasn't made any firm commitments.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz shared his optimism that decisions will be made in America shortly to impose more sanctions against Russia. The leaders agreed on six statements regarding migrant smuggling, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, wildfires, transnational repression, and quantum computing.
The Kremlin deemed the G7 as "rather useless" in response to the summit. Despite some leaders hoping to secure trade deals with Trump, only the finalization of the U.S.-UK deal was signed. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed by Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Tuesday, marking an improvement in relations after two years of tension between the two countries.
- Despite Volodymyr Zelenskyy's call for diplomacy to end the war with Russia, the G7 seems divided due to U.S. President Donald Trump's backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with America's global interests and allies potentially needing strong protection.
- Amid war-and-conflicts, politics, and policy-and-legislation, the G7 leaders agreed on six statements, including quantum computing, transnational repression, and critical minerals, while also expressing their concern over migrant smuggling and artificial intelligence. However, the union's stance against Russia remains incomplete without America's commitment.
