G7 leaders have pledged to impose new sanctions on Russia’s ability to import technologies for its arms industry, as they promised to increase its security commitments to Ukraine.
The group of seven advanced economies said they would “align and expand specific sanctions to further restrict Russia’s access to key industrial inputs, services and technologies.”
The G7 also said it would impose specific sanctions on Russians responsible for war crimes committed in Ukraine and those who aggravated “global food insecurity” by “stealing and exporting Ukrainian grain.”
The summit in Germany comes as Western leaders face crises sparked by Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine ranging from spiraling inflation rates to concerns about tightening energy and food supplies. the global economy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned G7 leaders that Russia wants to consolidate its position in Ukraine and will launch a renewed offensive this winter as it reiterated its call for new arms deliveries.
Zelenskyy told leaders via a video link that he believed the Russians want to prolong the war until this winter, when they could make new territorial gains, according to people informed of the meeting.
NATO officials expect Russia to halt its offensive at some point in the coming months to regroup and replenish its military for a new offensive. This tactic would echo Moscow’s April withdrawal from a failed assault on Kyiv only to redistribute these troops and equipment to eastern Ukraine.
The G7 countries said they reaffirmed their “unwavering commitment to supporting the government and people of Ukraine” in their war against Russia and vowed to “stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary.”
They also said they were willing to offer Ukraine “sustained security commitments” to help it “defend itself, secure its free and democratic future, and deter future Russian aggression.”
Western leaders have intensified in recent weeks warnings that Ukraine’s allies must maintain their support for the country.
As part of efforts to provide long-term military support to Kyiv, U.S. President Joe Biden will announce this week that the United States will purchase an advanced medium- and long-range NASAMS surface-to-air missile system for Ukraine. according to a person familiar with the situation.
Other U.S. security assistance likely to be announced this week includes additional artillery ammunition and counter-battery radars.
Western support for Ukraine has adjusted as the war has changed. In the early weeks, initial supplies of portable anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles were key to curbing the initial Russian lightning attack. In recent months, heavy and long-range weapons have been used to counter Russia’s attrition strategy in eastern Ukraine.
Zelenskyy has warned that without faster supplies of Western weapons Ukraine will not be able to launch counterattacks in the east to regain territory lost to Russia in recent weeks.
“[G7] Leaders will make long-term commitments to provide security as well as financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine, ”Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, said in a post on social media on Monday.
The G7 is also discussing new sanctions on Russia, such as a proposed cap on oil prices, as well as sanctions on gold exports.
Leaders will meet today with other countries such as India, South Africa and Indonesia to discuss the wider impact of the war on Ukraine, including disruptions in grain deliveries and rising energy prices. .
Additional report by Roman Olearchyk in Kyiv