Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky told G7 leaders he wants the war with Russia over this year.
At the G7 meeting, Zelensky addressed leaders of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan by video link. He urged them to provide more weapons for the ongoing war against Russia.
Zelensky also said he wants the war to end before the end of 2022, asking the allies not to let the conflict “drag on” through winter.
Zelensky told the G7 he is focused on securing an “advantageous position” over the coming months, not over several years, and that the country will only negotiate the end of the war from a position strength.
How to end the Russian war loomed over the G7 talks.
The G7 released a statement after discussions with Zelensky came to a conclusion, saying it would continue to provide financial, ministry and political support for Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”
The G7 said it is up to Ukraine to decide on any possible future peace deal, specifying that Kyiv must decide on any settlement “free from external pressure or influence.”
Top U.S. officials said Zelensky is focused on regaining momentum in Ukraine over the coming months, and believes a grinding conflict is not in the interest of Ukraine.
Leaders are working to starve Russia of its oil revenues and mitigate the economic fallout of its war against Ukraine.
The dual missions of sustaining support for Ukraine while easing economic pressures have defined the G7 meeting. While the countries are largely united, they are all facing their own political imperatives to see a momentum shift in the fighting and bring an end to the conflict.
Leaders are nearing an agreement to cap the price of Russian oil, which will deprive the country of revenues. The global spike in energy prices has massively contributed to Russia’s revenues. These details are still being discussed, but U.S. officials seem confident in the prospect of the plan.
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