Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said he plans to go to next week’s Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, hoping to have a private meeting with US President Donald Trump. Top items on Zelenskyy’s agenda are sustained international support for Ukraine, additional sanctions against Russia, and extended financial aid for Ukraine’s reconstruction after the war.
At a press conference, Zelenskyy stressed Western unity and America’s role in pressuring Russia economically with sanctions. He said that although any decision regarding stronger sanctions is up to the White House, he hopes that a meeting with President Trump at the G7 will make American intentions clearer.
I do hope that in the meanwhile, if no decisions are taken before that, I will understand better how close we are to adopting them,” Zelenskyy added.
President Trump has just recently announced that he is still undecided about whether to support a new Russia sanctions package under consideration in the US Senate.
Zelenskyy also warned that Ukraine would not be able to make up for a possible freeze in American military assistance, emphasizing the need for sustained weapons aid. Addressing with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, he appreciated Germany’s sustained support and announced plans to increase joint arms production with Berlin.
“We need financing, and Germany is one of the states that gets the urgency and honors promises,” Zelenskyy added.
Minister Pistorius confirmed that European military aid to Ukraine this year totals €7 billion ($8.12 billion), with another €1.9 billion awaiting approval in the German parliament.
Zelenskyy’s attendance at the G7 summit has been described as vital in maintaining momentum for Ukraine’s diplomatic campaign, and in pursuing wider international support as the conflict with Russia goes on.