G7 countries reaffirm support for Ukraine in joint statement

On the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Group of Seven (G7) countries confirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.

In the joint statement, the G7 expressed support for US efforts to advance the peace process.

"We express our continued support for President Trump's efforts to achieve these objectives by initiating a peace process and bringing the parties to direct discussions. Europe has a leading role to play in this process, joined by other partners," the statement reads.

It emphasises that only Russia and Ukraine can reach a peace agreement by "working together in good faith negotiations".

The G7 also welcomed partners' efforts to provide assistance to Ukraine, including in the energy sector. The statement noted that since January, over 2,500 generators and other essential equipment, such as transformers, turbines, cogeneration units, boilers, and repair equipment, have been delivered from G7 countries to Kyiv. Additionally, more than €500 million in new commitments have been made to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund for the purchase of equipment to repair and protect Ukraine's energy system.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius criticised US President Donald Trump for his approach to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and the war he unleashed on Ukraine.

Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the US should pressure Russia, not Ukraine, to bring the war to an end.

Media reports suggest that the United States aims to end the Russia-Ukraine war by 4 July, the US Independence Day.