The G7 leaders also welcomed the news of the deal between the United States and Iran, and affirmed their support for a ‘free and open’ Indo-Pacific.
The Group of Seven (G7) has affirmed its support for Ukraine and committed to further sanctioning Russia, in a statement that underscored world leaders’ support for Kyiv.
G7 leaders said in a June 17 statement that they agreed to increase military support by delivering defense equipment, including long-range capabilities and interceptors.
They said they “stand united” in their “unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
“We reaffirm our solidarity with the Ukrainian population suffering from attacks on their critical infrastructure and cultural heritage,” they said.
They added that they are committed to increasing pressure on Moscow’s war economy by strengthening sanctions, including those in the gas and oil sectors.
G7 leaders are meeting in the French lakeside resort of Évian-les-Bains between June 15 and 17 to discuss international issues, including global conflicts and partnerships.
The G7 comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the United States. Russia became a member of the group in 1997, making it the G8. But following Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia was suspended from the group, effectively dissolving the G8.
U.S. President Donald Trump on June 16 discussed the possibility of reimposing sanctions on Russian oil shipments, now that the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.
“Soon we’ll be able to do that, because the oil is now flowing,” Trump told reporters during a bilateral meeting with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.
“We took sanctions off because obviously we’re not looking to impede the U.S, so we’re in a position to do that soon.”
Washington eased sanctions on Russia in March, permitting purchases of Russian seaborne oil to address the energy supply shortage caused by the war in Iran. The Treasury Department later extended the sanctions waiver, which is set to expire on June 17.
‘Iran Will Never Obtain a Nuclear Weapon’
The G7 also welcomed the news of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, which it said “provides an historic opportunity to prevent Iran from acquiring any nuclear weapon and tackling the threats related to its regional and ballistic activities,” saying it was ready to contribute to implementing the deal.
“We underline the need for the negotiation to this end to address the threats posed by Iran in the region and beyond and ensure that they never obtain a nuclear weapon,” the group said.
“Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon.”
On June 16, Trump told reporters that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon was the agreement’s key aim.
“The only thing that really matters to me, is Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, and it says it loud and clear,” Trump said.
Trump’s remarks came days after U.S. and Iranian negotiators finalized an interim framework intended to halt hostilities and launch a broader diplomatic process to resolve longstanding disputes over Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions relief, regional security, and maritime access.
On June 17, the U.S. president suggested that the ceasefire agreement was not final, and that the United States could recommence strikes on Iran if need be.
“It’s a memorandum of understanding. And if I don’t like it, we’ll go back to shooting at them, dropping bombs on their head,” Trump said at a G7 summit in France.
‘Free and Open’ Indo-Pacific
G7 leaders also highlighted “the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law.”
They reaffirmed their opposition to “any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, in particular by force or coercion, in the East and South China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait, which should only be resolved peacefully through dialogue.”
