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ADVERTISEMENTSix leaders from the Group of Seven – or G7 – discussed Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Israel-Iran conflict; however, they were unable to achieve significant agreements on these and numerous other pressing matters.
It concluded a summit that was forced to demonstrate how the coalition of affluent nations could still influence global policy, despite the premature departure of US President Donald Trump.
During the concluding sessions on Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, along with leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, were accompanied by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO chief Mark Rutte.
“We need support from allies and I’m here,” Zelenskyy said, before adding, “We are ready for the peace negotiations, unconditional ceasefire. I think it’s very important. But for this, we need pressure.”
The remaining leaders agreed to jointly attempt to combat what they called non-market policies that could jeopardise global access to critical minerals.
They also pledged to limit the downsides of artificial intelligence on jobs and the environment, while still embracing the potential of the “technological revolution.”
There was agreement on various other matters, yet despite the summit’s intention to demonstrate solidarity on major global issues, no collective statement regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was released.
Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet with Trump as world leaders convened at the Canadian Rocky Mountain resort of Kananaskis, however, that meeting was cancelled after Trump opted to leave the summit a day early on Tuesday citing escalations in the Middle East.
Additionally, the United States had earlier signed an agreement that allowed American access to Ukraine’s extensive mineral resources.
A senior Canadian official who briefed reporters at the summit said the Washington opposed a joint statement on Ukraine amid its efforts to promote negotiations with Russia.
In Trump’s absence, the remaining six leaders held an extensive session on Ukraine. Lacking unanimity, individual leaders also met with Zelenskyy to reassure him of their continued support to Kyiv and their commitment to ensure his country is equipped to fend off Russia.
The summit was largely overshadowed by the showdown between Israel and Iran over the latter’s nuclear programme, which has the potential to escalate. Israel initiated an aerial bombardment campaign targeting Iran, while Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned against the US and other powers pushing for regime change in Iran, suggesting it could destabilize the greater Middle East. Netanyahu had earlier urged Iranians to use Israel’s strikes as a means of toppling the government.
«I believe the greatest mistake today would be to pursue regime change in Iran through military means, as that would lead to chaos,” said Macron.
Before leaving, Trump joined the other leaders in issuing a statement which stated that Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon” and calling for a “de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.”
Additional sources • AP
