G7 agrees to weapon license transfers and new sanctions on Russia's energy sector

At the G7 summit in Evian, leaders from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, Japan and Ukraine discussed ways to strengthen Ukraine’s defence. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the group will issue production licences that could allow European and Ukrainian firms to manufacture components of U.S. weapons, including Patriot air‑defence systems and potentially long‑range missiles. Merz praised U.S. President Donald Trump for his cooperation on the matter.

The summit also produced an agreement to tighten pressure on Russia by expanding sanctions on its oil and gas sector. The United Kingdom announced 70 new measures, including sanctions on additional vessels of the Russian shadow fleet. The G7 pledged further military aid for Ukraine and highlighted a “window for diplomacy” as the conflict dynamics shift in Kyiv’s favour.