G7 announces tougher sanctions on Russia and expands aid to Ukraine

Leaders of the Group of Seven (the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan and Canada) met in Evian, France and agreed to impose stricter sanctions on Russia in response to its war in Ukraine. The summit communique calls for new measures targeting Russia’s energy revenues, its shadow fleet and defence industry, and notes that the timing follows a U.S.–Iran understanding on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The G7 also pledged to increase long‑range weapons deliveries and boost Ukraine’s air‑defence capabilities, while providing additional energy assistance to help the country cope with the upcoming winter. French President Emmanuel Macron described the outcomes as a “strategic awakening”, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called it a “day of hope”. U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that Russia must reach an agreement with Ukraine to end the conflict and hinted at the possible reinstatement of oil sanctions.

Overall, the summit signalled a unified Western effort to pressure Moscow and strengthen Kyiv’s military and energy resilience.