Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said he told the G7 leaders gathered in Canada that "diplomacy is now in a state of crisis" after the US president Donald Trump left the summit a day early to address the conflict in the Middle East.
Mr Zelensky said they need to continue calling on Mr Trump "to use his real influence" to force an end to the war.
G7 hosts Canada dropped plans for the group to issue a strong statement on the war in Ukraine after resistance from the United States, a Canadian official told reporters.
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney said the G7 “recognised that Ukraine has committed to an unconditional ceasefire, and they agreed that Russia must do the same”. “G7 leaders are resolute in exploring all options to maximise pressure on Russia, including financial sanctions," he said.
Yesterday, Mr Zelensky accused the Russian president Vladimir Putin of “pure terrorism” after at least 15 people were killed and 116 others were injured in a massive attack in the early hours of Tuesday.
Key Points
- Trump's early exit forces G7 to abandon joint statement on Ukraine
- Starmer tightens screws on Putin with raft of fresh sanctions
- Zelensky thanks Canada for military aid and Russia sanctions
Zelensky informs G7 leaders of Russia's attack across Ukraine: 'A difficult night'
05:48 , Arpan RaiVolodymyr Zelensky discussed the overnight Russian attacks from Tuesday that killed 15 people and injured 150-plus in his country as he met with allies at G7 summit.
"Our families had a very difficult night, one of the biggest attacks from the very beginning of this war,” he said.
"We need support from allies and I'm here," Mr Zelensky said. He added, "We are ready for the peace negotiations, unconditional ceasefire. I think it's very important. But for this, we need pressure."
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney said the attack "underscores the importance of standing in total solidarity with Ukraine."
While the summit was meant to showcase unity on top global issues, no joint statement on the conflict in Ukraine was released.
Zelensky thanks Canada for military aid and Russia sanctions
05:30 , Arpan RaiUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky departed from the G7 summit yesterday with new aid from host Canada for its war against Russia.
But before exiting, he warned that diplomacy is in "crisis" after the leaders missed the chance to press US president Donald Trump for more action.
“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. It is important that partners are ready not only to support our defence now, but also to rebuild Ukraine together after the war ends,” Mr Zelensky said.
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. It is important that partners are ready not only to support our defense now, but also to rebuild… pic.twitter.com/ia5TGa6NPn
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 18, 2025
Video report: Russian drone attack hits residential building in Kyiv with 14 killed
05:19 , Arpan RaiStarmer tightens screws on Putin as he announces raft of fresh sanctions against Russia
05:18 , Arpan RaiSir Keir Starmer has promised to keep “tightening the screws” on Vladimir Putin as he announced a raft of fresh sanctions on dozens of new Russian finance, military and energy targets.
The prime minister is piling fresh pressure on the Russian war machine and seeking to win further backing from G7 leaders at a key summit in Canada.
After repeated refusals from Putin to engage in peace talks, and fresh Russian strikes on Kyiv on Tuesday, the PM said his sanctions will “choke off his ability to continue his barbaric war” in Ukraine.
Starmer tightens screws on Putin with raft of fresh sanctions against Russia
Trump unaware of major Russian attack on Kyiv when asked by reporter
04:50 , Arpan RaiDonald Trump appeared to be unaware of a major Russian attack that killed at least 15 people and injured 116 in Kyiv and Odesa on Tuesday, hours after the assault took place.
Asked about the attack by a reporter aboard Air Force One as he travelled back from the G7 summit in Canada – where reports suggested he had been due to meet Volodymyr Zelensky before cutting his trip short – Mr Trump said: “When was that? When?”
Told that the attack was very recent, the US president replied: “Just now? You mean as I’m walking back to see you, that’s when it took place? Sounds like it. I’ll have to look at it.”
The Kyiv Independent reported that seven hours later, the White House was still yet to comment on the Russian attack.
Trump's early exit forces G7 to abandon joint statement on Ukraine
04:29 , Arpan RaiCanada dropped plans for the G7 to issue a strong statement on the war in Ukraine after resistance from the United States, a Canadian official told reporters.
The G7 wealthy nations struggled to find unity over the conflict in Ukraine after Trump expressed support for Russian president Vladimir Putin and left a day early to address the Israel-Iran conflict from Washington.
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney said Ottawa would provide C$2bn ($1.47bn) in new military assistance for Kyiv as well as impose new financial sanctions.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said he had told the G7 leaders that "diplomacy is now in a state of crisis" and said they need to continue calling on Donald Trump "to use his real influence" to force an end to the war, in a post on his Telegram account.
