The Group of Seven (G7) leaders agreed on Tuesday to increase pressure on Russia through new sanctions targeting its oil and gas exports, aiming to cut off funding for Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine. The decision came during the summit held in Evian-les-Bains, France, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in discussions alongside leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The renewed focus on Ukraine comes as the conflict in the Middle East, particularly the recent ceasefire developments between the United States and Iran, had overshadowed the war. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated readiness to reimpose restrictions on Russian energy shipments, which were temporarily eased earlier in the year during heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf to help stabilize global oil prices. “Soon we’ll be able to do that because the oil is now flowing,” Trump said, signaling a potential reintroduction of those sanctions as the Iran conflict quiets.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need to sustain and intensify international sanctions to compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war, asserting that Putin “does not want to end the war but he must be forced to do so, primarily through sanctions.” Zelenskyy also sought expanded military assistance, including requests for licenses to produce Patriot missile systems in Ukraine to better defend against long-range Russian missile and drone strikes.
Several G7 members, including the United Kingdom and Canada, announced new measures aimed at Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of ships that circumvent existing sanctions by transporting oil and gas covertly. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the current moment as pivotal, with a firm commitment among G7 countries to ramp up pressure on Moscow.
The summit also included discussions on boosting Ukraine’s air-defense capabilities and addressing the impact of the ongoing conflict on civilian infrastructure and populations. French President Emmanuel Macron’s government highlighted the French and broader Western coalition’s readiness to act swiftly to ensure the security of critical energy routes, notably the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global oil shipments.
Beyond the Ukraine crisis, Trump’s interactions at the summit included meetings with leaders from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, as France invited Persian Gulf states to participate in dialogue amid regional tensions. Trump also expressed frustration over Israel’s military engagement with Hezbollah in Lebanon, criticizing the prolongation of hostilities and suggesting that Syria should take on the militant group if Israel could not resolve the conflict quickly.
While the G7 consensus underscores a collective determination to leverage economic sanctions against Russia, some challenges remain regarding the full implementation and coordination of these measures. The shifting focus back to Ukraine marks a renewed diplomatic effort to find a resolution amidst a complex international environment, as Ukraine officially commenced negotiations for European Union membership—a step viewed by Kyiv as a move toward long-term security and stability once the current conflict subsides.