Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the G7 leaders for supporting US President Donald Trump's push for 'a just and lasting peace.' He called on Russia to align with Kyiv's commitment to an unconditional ceasefire amid escalating 'brutal' Russian attacks.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy shared remarks on X after participating in the G7 Summit, highlighting the unity among leaders to maximize pressure on Moscow through financial sanctions. The G7 pledged continued support for Ukraine's sovereignty, defense capabilities, and reconstruction efforts.
"I emphasized that Russia is ignoring every diplomatic offer made by the international community. Diplomacy is in crisis. There is one clear reason-Putin has openly rejected every peace initiative," Zelenskyy stated.
On the sidelines of the summit, Zelenskyy held separate meetings with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, World Bank President Ajay Banga, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Discussions centered on Ukraine's urgent defense needs and postwar recovery.
"Today, we have concrete decisions on increased military support, new tranches of aid funded by frozen Russian assets, and additional sanctions targeting what fuels Russia's war," noted Zelenskyy.
He expressed appreciation to Japan for its readiness to invest in Ukraine's drone production and reconstruction while highlighting shared concerns about Russia's cooperation with North Korea and Iran.
With NATO chief Rutte, Zelenskyy discussed key expectations ahead of the upcoming summit in The Hague, Netherlands, especially Ukraine's need for air defense systems amid an escalation in Russian missile and drone strikes.
"We must keep doing everything possible to strengthen our position," he said.
In his meeting with UK Prime Minister Starmer, Zelenskyy underscored the importance of coordinated G7 sanctions targeting Russia's energy, banking, and military sectors, expressing gratitude to London for its consistent support.
Zelenskyy also praised the World Bank's assistance in damage assessments and energy sector development, calling its financial aid "crucial for Ukraine's economic stability in the fight against Russian aggression."
Ukraine has committed to an unconditional ceasefire and calls on Russia to reciprocate, Zelenskyy stated, welcoming G7 support for Trump's diplomatic engagement.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously said Russia has fully met its obligations under the agreements reached with Ukraine in Istanbul.
G7 leaders met with Zelenskyy and NATO's Mark Rutte as part of their discussions to enhance Ukraine's defense and chart a path for reconstruction, while also preparing for the NATO summit next week.