G7 leaders pledge harsher Russia sanctions and expanded Ukraine aid at Évian summit

At the G7 summit in Évian‑les‑Bains, France, on 16‑17 June 2026, the heads of the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, Japan and the European Union issued a joint declaration. The statement calls for tighter sanctions on Russia, especially in the oil and gas sector, and pledges increased delivery of weapons and air‑defence systems to Ukraine, along with additional winter‑aid. It also references a forthcoming US‑Iran deal that could enable the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and notes a framework aimed at ending the Iran conflict.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the outcome as a "day of hope" for Ukraine and highlighted a renewed trans‑Atlantic unity. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the leaders with a musical greeting for Merz, while U.S. President Donald Trump’s unusually long handshake with France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron drew media attention and was interpreted as a diplomatic power play.

The summit’s agenda also covered the global economic outlook and artificial‑intelligence policy, and participants suggested the G7 outcome could positively influence the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.