EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France, June 17, 2026 – The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries said on Wednesday they stand united to support Ukraine, including its territorial integrity, and agreed to increase the pressure on the Russian war economy (AL-Monitor, 2026).
"In this context, we will strengthen our sanctions (against Russia), including those on the oil and gas sectors," the leaders said in a joint statement.
At the G7 summit in the French town of Evian-les-Bains, the leaders have also welcomed the deal between the United States and Iran and said they are ready to contribute to its implementation. They added they will make efforts to diversify energy supply routes and reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz and increase energy stocks.
Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin hosted a summit of South-east Asian leaders in the central Russian city of Kazan as the West pressured Moscow to end its Ukraine offensive. The summit commemorates 35 years of collaboration between Russia and the ASEAN countries (Malay Mail, 2026).
Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore are sending their prime ministers, while the Philippines will be represented by President Ferdinand Marcos. Myanmar will also send a delegation.
At the G7 in France, US President Donald Trump said Moscow should "make a deal" to end the Ukraine war, as he met Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump also said Washington will soon be able to reimpose sanctions against Russian oil.
"Soon we will be able to do that as the oil is now flowing" through the Strait of Hormuz after the deal with Iran to end the Middle East war, Trump said. Washington had imposed and then extended a sanctions waiver for Russian oil cargoes already at sea, troubling European allies.
Putin has repeatedly refused offers for face-to-face talks with Zelensky, insisting that Moscow intends to capture Ukraine's eastern Donbas region by force.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the need for sustained support for Ukraine, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed strong support for the US-Iran agreement, saying it could help stabilise the region and reduce tensions.
The G7 leaders also discussed the threat of artificial intelligence being used to spread disinformation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that children under 16 will be banned from using social media in the UK, with France also eyeing a similar ban.
Conclusion: The G7 summit has demonstrated unity on Ukraine and Iran issues. The US-Iran peace deal has brought relief to global markets, but challenges remain in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Stay tuned for more updates on global news and politics.