G7 leaders agree to tougher Russia sanctions and stronger Ukraine aid

At their summit in Évian‑les‑Bains, France, on 16 June 2026, the leaders of the Group of Seven – the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan and Canada – issued a joint statement announcing expanded sanctions on Russia, including measures targeting the Russian oil and gas sector. The statement also pledged additional military assistance for Ukraine, specifically more air‑defence systems, long‑range weapons and other equipment, as well as increased energy support to help Kyiv through the winter.

The declaration highlighted recent Ukrainian gains on the battlefield, noting that Kyiv had reclaimed about 282 km² in May. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the G7 consensus proved that “Russia is not winning the war and must seek an agreement soon.” U.S. President Donald Trump, who attended the meeting, said he would do “everything in his power” to facilitate a peace deal. The leaders also referenced a provisional U.S.‑Iran agreement to reopen the Hormuz Strait, which could affect global oil flows.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged deeper support for Ukraine, describing the situation in 2026 as markedly different from the previous year, with Russian forces showing signs of fatigue.