G7 Summit Ends Without Ukraine Joint Statement as Zelenskyy Warns ‘Diplomacy in Crisis’

Tuesday’s summit of the Group of Seven (G7) ended without a combined declaration in favor of Ukraine, a big departure from past years that exposes increasing divisions among the world’s most developed industrial countries.

After meetings with leaders of Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and NATO’s incoming head Mark Rutte, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced disappointment at the result. In a direct Telegram message, Zelenskyy urged the group to use their “real influence” to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to stop the war in Ukraine and cautioned that “diplomacy is in a state of crisis now.”

Remarkably absent from those conferences was Trump himself, who abruptly left the summit a day early to get back to Washington amid growing tensions between Israel and Iran.

No Union Declaration on Ukraine

Unlike prior conferences when the G7 unanimously denounced Russia’s attack against Ukraine, this year concluded sans a clear stance. Early reports from Canadian officials indicated a statement had been abandoned because the United States objected strongly to harsh language against Russia. But later, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s spokesman backtracked on that and said, “No intended statement on Ukraine was sent.”

Sources cited by AFP claim that the lack of agreement came from Trump’s desire to leave the door open to talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “It was clear that it would not have been feasible to find detailed language that all G7 partners could agree to in that context,” a Canadian official said on condition of anonymity.

By saying that Russia’s exile from the former G8 following the annexation of Crimea in 2014 had been “a big mistake,” Trump also sparked controversy earlier in the meeting and further hampered attempts at unity.

Canada Raises Support

Zelensky did leave Kananaskis with a specific Canadian promise even without a group statement. Prime Minister Carney declared fresh military aid of 2 billion Canadian dollars ($1.47 billion USD) and announced more financial penalties directed against Russia.

Zelenskyy also emphasized Ukraine’s willingness to seek peace: “We are ready for the peace talks, unconditional ceasefire. But for this, we need pressure, he said during a summit press conference.

Middle East Under Trump

Developments in the Middle East, where tensions between Israel and Iran have increased sharply, prompted Trump’s early exit from the conference. He signed a G7 statement before leaving, supporting Israel and denouncing Iran as “the main source of regional destabilization and terrorism,” while also asking for “de-escalation of hostilities.”

His lack of meetings on Ukraine highlighted a change in U.S. foreign policy priority and had important partners running to save a show of unity. “The G7 did not crack—but it certainly bent,” as one European diplomat phrased it.

Expanding Worldwide Divides

The inability of the summit to gather around Ukraine comes at a crucial point in the war and points to growing strain on multilateral reactions to global crises. Analysts predict that Moscow will be encouraged by the lack of agreement and future talks will be hampered.

Given the worsening geopolitical events in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, the G7’s inability to present a united front might have long-lasting effects on world diplomacy and conflict resolution initiatives.