G7 commits to ‘unwavering support for Ukraine’ with pledge to offer more air defence – Europe live

Despite some early concerns about Donald Trump’s position, the G7 leaders meeting in France have agreed on a statement declaring their “unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”

G7 leaders pose for a family photo during the G7 summit, in Evian, eastern France. Photograph: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

The statement, published overnight, says:

“We commend Ukraine for its resilience and progress on the battlefield in recent months and emphasise there is now a new momentum.

To support and accelerate this new momentum, we agree to increase the delivery of air defence capacities, additional systems and interceptors, and long-range capabilities.

We are also ready to consider extending to Ukraine the benefit of licenses to allow for an increase in Ukraine’s military production.”

In a classic Trump-era move, the statement on Ukraine also includes some pointed praise of the US president in a pointed attempt to keep him on side:

“We commit to increase the pressure on the Russian war economy. In this context, we will strengthen our sanctions, including those on the oil and gas sectors. We consider this the right moment to proceed with additional measures, as president Trump has delivered a deal that we support in reopening the strait of Hormuz.”

I guess, whatever works, right?

The leaders will continue their talks today discussing economic growth and AI, with the latter session likely to get some attention as they will meet with the bosses of OpenAI and Anthropic.

Later tonight, France’s Emmanuel Macron will host the US president at the Palace of Versailles to mark the 250th anniversary of the US independence. Unusually enthused Trump said last night that it was “a real deal,” and that he was looking forward to it.

US president Donald Trump and French president Emmanuel Macron prior to a family photograph before a gala dinner as part of the G7 summit, in Evian, France. Photograph: Jeanne Accorsini/SIPA/Shutterstock

Separately, we will hear from Nato’s secretary general Mark Rutte this morning ahead of tomorrow’s meeting of the alliance’s defence ministers – and less than a month before the much-dreaded Ankara summit, which once again will be all about keeping Trump on side.

Lots to cover today.

It’s Wednesday, 17 June 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.

Good morning.