G7 leaders commit to 'unwavering support for Ukraine' with pledge to offer more air defence

At the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, leaders have adopted a statement declaring their “unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.” The announcement comes despite initial concerns about the position of US President Donald Trump.

The statement, released overnight, commends Ukraine for its resilience and progress on the battlefield in recent months, emphasizing a new momentum. To support this, the G7 agreed to increase deliveries of air defence capacities, additional systems and interceptors, as well as long-range capabilities. They also expressed readiness to consider extending licenses to Ukraine for boosting its own military production.

In a move aimed at keeping President Trump on board, the statement includes pointed praise for the US leader. It says the G7 will intensify pressure on the Russian war economy, including strengthened sanctions on oil and gas sectors. The leaders consider this the right moment for additional measures, noting that Trump has delivered a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which the G7 supports.

Today's agenda includes discussions on economic growth and artificial intelligence, with leaders set to meet the heads of OpenAI and Anthropic. Later, French President Emmanuel Macron will host Trump at the Palace of Versailles to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence. Trump, unusually enthusiastic, called the event “a real deal” and expressed anticipation.

Separately, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected to speak ahead of a meeting of alliance defence ministers tomorrow, less than a month before the Ankara summit—where keeping Trump engaged will again be a central challenge.

The summit also saw an awkward moment for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was left waiting for 30 minutes as Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Macron were absent from a scheduled meeting on Ukraine's future.