Ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations have concluded their meetings near Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, issuing a joint statement reaffirming their unified stance on pressing global issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan, and the crisis in Gaza.
The foreign ministers of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States expressed their unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, emphasizing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire. Discussions centered on various options to bolster support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, including exploring the potential of leveraging frozen Russian sovereign assets held within G7 member states. This strategy, however, presents complexities and is currently under intensive internal review by the European Union.
As the meetings commenced, Britain announced a £13 million (approximately $17 million) funding package to aid in the maintenance of Ukraine’s energy sector, which has been heavily targeted by recent Russian attacks. The UK also declared a ban on maritime services for Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The joint statement also addressed the situations in Sudan and Gaza. The G7 ministers voiced deep concern over the escalating violence in Sudan, urging all parties to commit to a peaceful resolution. Regarding Gaza, the G7 reiterated its call for a sustainable ceasefire, emphasizing the need for increased humanitarian access and a path towards a two-state solution.
The G7 ministers criticized China’s support for Russia, condemning the provision of weapons and dual-use components that contribute to Russia’s war efforts. North Korea and Iran were also condemned for providing military support to Russia.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, who was invited to the discussions, stated that the G7 needs to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin while simultaneously strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities.
While the G7 ministers presented a united front on these key issues, they reportedly avoided addressing more contentious topics, such as recent U.S. military actions targeting vessels in the Caribbean and matters related to trade policy.
