The third and final day of the G7 summit in Évian, France, is underway, with leaders issuing a joint declaration that reiterates their "unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity." The statement, released late Tuesday, marks a rare moment of consensus among the seven major economies, particularly given past divisions over geopolitical issues.
The declaration highlights Ukraine's recent battlefield progress, noting that its resilience has created "new momentum." To sustain this, the G7 leaders commit to accelerating deliveries of air defence systems, interceptors, and long-range capabilities. They also express readiness to consider extending military production licenses to Ukraine, a move that could allow Kyiv to manufacture critical components like Patriot interceptor missiles domestically. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed he raised this issue with US President Donald Trump during the summit.
A Diplomatic Win for Macron
For European leaders, securing a unified statement was a significant diplomatic achievement, especially for host French President Emmanuel Macron, who is attending his last G7 summit before leaving office next year. Last year in Canada, disagreements prevented any common wording on geopolitical matters. This year, negotiators worked through Tuesday to produce a three-page text that addresses both the Ukraine war and the situation in the Middle East.
The statement also welcomes the recent US-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, viewing it as an opportunity to "increase the pressure on the Russian war economy." The leaders pledge to strengthen sanctions, particularly targeting Russia's oil and gas sectors. For the Europeans, having Trump sign onto a text that promises increased support for Ukraine and tougher sanctions on Moscow is seen as a major diplomatic victory.
Beyond the joint statement, the summit has been marked by bilateral meetings and symbolic gestures. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz presented Trump with a personalized football jersey, a lighthearted moment amid otherwise tense discussions. The summit's outcomes are expected to shape the agenda for upcoming NATO and EU meetings, including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's visit to Washington to mend ties ahead of the July Ankara summit.
The G7's renewed commitment to Ukraine comes as Kyiv continues to face intense Russian missile and drone attacks. The Patriot air defence system, produced by US firms Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, remains Ukraine's only effective counter to Moscow's ballistic missiles. The possibility of local production could significantly bolster Ukraine's defensive capabilities.
As the summit concludes, attention now turns to implementation. The G7 leaders have tasked their foreign and defence ministers with monitoring progress on arms deliveries and sanctions enforcement. The next G7 summit is scheduled for Canada in 2026, but the geopolitical landscape may shift significantly before then, particularly with the upcoming US presidential election.
