Zelenskyy Hails G7 Backing, Urges Tougher Sanctions on Russia Amid Escalating Attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday welcomed the G7’s continued support and called for intensified pressure on Russia as Ukraine faces what he described as increasingly “brutal” attacks.
In a statement shared on X following his participation at the G7 Summit, Zelenskyy praised US President Donald Trump’s push for “a just and lasting peace,” and urged Russia to join Ukraine in committing to an unconditional ceasefire.
“The leaders reaffirmed their united stance in maximizing sanctions pressure on Russia while backing Ukraine’s sovereignty, defense, and reconstruction,” Zelenskyy said.
He accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dismissing all diplomatic solutions. “Diplomacy is in crisis because Putin openly rejects every peace initiative,” he added.
Zelenskyy held high-level talks on the sidelines of the summit with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, World Bank President Ajay Banga, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Discussions focused on boosting Ukraine’s military aid, postwar reconstruction, and countering alliances between Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
The Ukrainian leader said new agreements include expanded military aid, fresh sanctions targeting Russia’s war-funding sources, and the release of aid tranches funded by frozen Russian assets.
He also expressed gratitude to Japan for its commitment to support Ukraine’s drone manufacturing and rebuilding efforts.
Zelenskyy and NATO’s Rutte discussed Ukraine’s urgent need for air defense systems ahead of next week’s NATO Summit in The Hague, amid intensified Russian missile and drone strikes.
Meeting with UK Prime Minister Starmer, Zelenskyy underscored the need for targeted sanctions on Russia’s energy, banking, and defense sectors, while thanking the UK for its consistent support.
He also acknowledged the World Bank’s role in economic recovery and damage assessment, calling its financial aid “critical to Ukraine’s stability during war.”
Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire and urged Russia to demonstrate the same commitment, welcoming the G7’s endorsement of President Trump’s peace initiative.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, however, said earlier that Russia had fulfilled its obligations from previous talks with Ukraine in Istanbul.
The G7 discussions with Zelenskyy and NATO officials also served as a precursor to the upcoming NATO Summit, where Ukraine’s defense needs and reconstruction path are expected to be key topics.
