During a recent summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, leaders of the G7 nations agreed to bolster military assistance to Ukraine, focusing on air defense systems, interceptors, and long-range capabilities. This commitment was outlined in a joint statement released on June 17.
The G7 leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid ongoing Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and cultural sites. They acknowledged Ukraine’s resilience and recent battlefield successes, indicating a renewed momentum in the conflict.
“To support and accelerate this new momentum, we agree to increase the supply of air defense systems, additional interceptors, and long-range capabilities. We are also prepared to consider providing Ukraine with licenses to enhance its military production capacity,” the statement reads.
The leaders emphasized the importance of energy resilience, pledging additional support to help Ukraine through the upcoming winter, in line with the priorities set by Ukrainian authorities.
Furthermore, the G7 committed to intensifying pressure on the Russian military economy, particularly through sanctions targeting the oil and gas sectors, viewing this as an opportune moment for further measures. The statement also backed an agreement facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition to Ukraine, the G7 addressed geopolitical issues in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region. They welcomed a recently announced agreement between the U.S. and Iran, facilitated by intermediary nations, describing it as a historic opportunity to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and counter regional threats.
The G7 leaders expressed their readiness to participate in the implementation of this agreement and supported ongoing negotiations based on a memorandum of understanding established during Trump’s administration, reaffirming that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons.
Additionally, the group endorsed a multinational defense initiative led by France and the UK aimed at safeguarding maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which includes protecting commercial vessels and overseeing demining efforts. They also called for accelerated humanitarian assistance and reconstruction in Gaza, urged an end to violence in the West Bank, and supported Lebanon’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah.
The leaders highlighted the significance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region based on the rule of law, opposing any attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas and the Taiwan Strait through force. They stressed that these issues should be resolved peacefully through dialogue. The G7 expressed deep concern over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, reaffirming their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the country.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister welcomed the G7’s statement, noting a positive shift in tone and assessments.
“We welcome this unity and strength. The G7 once again demonstrates that the world’s strongest democracies stand united with Ukraine, seeking to restore a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for our country. This is an important signal of support that Ukraine greatly values. We are also sincerely grateful to the G7 for their readiness to take concrete steps to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities, air defense, and energy resilience, as well as to intensify sanctions against Russia,” stated Andrii Sybiha.
The G7 summit took place from June 15 to 17 in Évian-les-Bains, with key discussions centered on peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine and the situation surrounding Iran, including the signing of the U.S. agreement and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participated in a working session on June 16, having arrived at the summit on the morning of the 16th, where he was greeted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Prior to the summit, Zelensky spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, confirming plans for a meeting on the summit’s sidelines.
The G7 leaders have committed to increasing military support for Ukraine, focusing on air defense and long-range capabilities, while also addressing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific regions. Their joint statement reflects a strong stance against Russian aggression and a commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty.