G7 Promises More Weapons for Ukraine and New Sanctions Against Russia at Evian-les-Bains Summit

Leaders of G7 nations issued a joint declaration pledging to increase military aid to Ukraine and strengthen sanctions against Russia, including measures targeting the oil and gas sector. Surprisingly, the declaration was also signed by US President Donald Trump, whose change of position analysts attribute to his desire to secure allies' support in stabilising the Iran ceasefire agreement. French President Emmanuel Macron described the summit as a "strategic wake-up call".

At the three-day G7 summit held in the Alpine resort town of Evian-les-Bains, France, leaders of the seven largest democratic industrial nations issued a joint declaration pledging to stand with Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia. Notably, the declaration was also signed by US President Donald Trump, who has previously been regarded as being too lenient towards the Kremlin.

A united message to Ukraine and Russia

"We, the leaders of the G7, stand united and unwavering in our support of Ukraine in protecting its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity," states the declaration released on Wednesday, immediately after midnight.

According to the document, the leaders committed to increasing pressure on Russia's war economy and strengthening sanctions, including measures targeting the energy sector. Ukraine was promised the supply of additional air defence equipment, complementing systems, cruise missiles and long-range missiles. Consideration is also being given to granting Ukraine licences that would allow the country to increase its own military production.

"This G7 summit is a strategic wake-up call," said French President Emmanuel Macron in a video released following a formal dinner of the leaders, emphasising that all G7 members, including the US, supported these decisions.

Trump's change of heart linked to Iran deal

According to Politico, Trump's surprising willingness to support Ukraine is connected to reciprocal support from allies on the Iran issue. Trump needs G7 partners' help in clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz and in supporting US Vice President J.D. Vance's Geneva negotiations, which are to conclude a ceasefire agreement with Tehran.

The leaders of G7 nations indicated they were ready to assist the US in the Strait of Hormuz, but on certain conditions. Macron stressed that the sending of ships to clear mines from the strait must be a joint decision of all parties to the agreement, including Iran and Oman.

The declaration mentions Trump's name three times, noting that following the US-Iran agreement, it is now easier to implement additional economic measures against Russia. "We consider this the right moment to implement additional measures, as President Trump has achieved an agreement that we support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz," the document states.

Zelensky meeting and oil sanctions

Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Evian-les-Bains, with the meeting lasting 70 minutes. Following this, Trump announced he would reinstate sanctions against Russia's oil sector, which Washington had previously suspended until mid-June. "Russia needs to reach a deal," Trump said.

During the meeting, Zelensky showed Trump photographs of a cathedral destroyed in a Russian drone attack, a gesture aimed particularly at Trump's base of religious supporters.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told journalists after the negotiations: "The discussions we held with each other and with the US President, both in official meetings and in informal conversations behind the scenes, give me reason for cautious optimism."

Diplomatic staging from Versailles to NATO

According to Politico, Macron carefully planned Trump's visit to avoid a repeat of last year's summit, from which Trump departed early. The French President even convinced Trump to extend his stay by inviting him to dinner at the Palace of Versailles. Merz gave Trump a German national football team jersey with the number 47, alluding to Trump being the 47th US President. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had a friendly clarifying conversation with him.

Diplomats hope that Trump's constructive mood will persist until the NATO summit in Ankara on 7-8 July. The declaration also addresses China, expressing opposition to unilateral attempts to change the situation by force in the East and South China Seas and in the Taiwan Strait.