Zelenski asks G-7 for anti-air defense systems for Ukraine and more sanctions on Russia

The president of Ukraine, Volodímir Zelenski, spoke this Monday by videoconference to the leaders of the G-7, gathered at their annual summit, this year under the German presidency in the Bavarian palace of Elmau, and asked them for more weapons for his country – specifically , anti-aircraft defense systems against the bombing of the Russian invader- and new Western economic sanctions on Russia.

Thomas Osborne
Thomas Osborne
27 June 2022 Monday 04:54
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Zelenski asks G-7 for anti-air defense systems for Ukraine and more sanctions on Russia

The president of Ukraine, Volodímir Zelenski, spoke this Monday by videoconference to the leaders of the G-7, gathered at their annual summit, this year under the German presidency in the Bavarian palace of Elmau, and asked them for more weapons for his country – specifically , anti-aircraft defense systems against the bombing of the Russian invader- and new Western economic sanctions on Russia. Zelenski participated in a closed-door session, of which only some initial images were released, without sound, but community and German sources cited by Efe and Reuters agreed that these were his requests.

During his speech on the second day of work at this summit, which ends tomorrow, Tuesday, the Ukrainian leader asked the seven powers to do their best to end the war before the end of the year, before winter arrives, reports AFP . Zelensky also requested assistance to be able to export grain - which accumulates in his granaries due to the Russian blockade of the Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea - and financial aid for the reconstruction of the country.

He was heard in the room by the American (Joe Biden) and French (Emmanuel Macron) presidents; the Canadian (Justin Trudeau), Italian (Mario Draghi), Japanese (Fumio Kishida) and British (Boris Johnson) Prime Ministers; and the German chancellor (Olaf Scholz), the host. The presidents of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and of the European Council, Charles Michel, were also listening, since since 1981 the European Union (at that time still the European Community) regularly attends these summits. Scholz told Zelensky that the G-7 "will continue to increase the pressure on Putin."

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and its impact on energy and food supplies in the world economy dominate this G-7 summit, embedded in the calendar between last week's European Council, in which Ukraine was granted the status of a candidate for entry into the EU, and the NATO summit, which begins on Wednesday in Madrid. The G-7 countries and the European Union declare their readiness to support Ukraine for as long as necessary.

The war has entered its fifth month, and Putin's troops are gaining territory in the east and south of the country, despite Ukrainian resistance and the arrival of part of the heavy weapons from allies. On Sunday, the day the G-7 began its summit in Elmau, Russian missiles fell on Kyiv, located 1,800 kilometers east of the meeting place. A man was killed and his wife – of Russian nationality – and a daughter were injured.

Before the session with Zelensky, Chancellor Scholz said that the policies of the G-7 countries on Ukraine are "very aligned", but that firmness must be combined with caution. After meeting early Monday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the German chancellor told the press: "We are making tough decisions, we are also cautious, we will help Ukraine as much as possible, but we also want to prevent a great conflict between Russia and NATO”.

"The leaders of the G-7 - Zelensky had said in a video on Sunday night - have enough joint potential to stop the Russian aggression. But this will only be possible when we get everything we ask for and in the necessary time, which are weapons, financial support, and sanctions against Russia."