G7 weighs more air defense support for Ukraine and tougher action against Russia’s shadow fleet
Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine has urged G7 countries to strengthen its air defenses, provide additional energy assistance and impose tougher sanctions on Russia. Kyiv is also calling on them to keep Russian and Belarusian athletes out of international sporting competitions, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha shared the details on X.
Sybiha thanked French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot for keeping peace in Ukraine among the G7's priorities. The meeting was attended by foreign ministers from G7 countries, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.
The minister highlighted Ukraine's most urgent needs:
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Stronger air defenses;
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Additional energy assistance;
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Adequate funding;
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Tougher sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting its shadow fleet, and a ban on entry for Russian citizens.
Sybiha briefed partners on Russia's escalatory actions and discussed the humanitarian mission in Oleshky. He specifically thanked US First Lady Melania Trump for her mediation efforts.
According to the minister, this diplomatic momentum must be used to make progress toward a full ceasefire, de-escalation and confidence-building measures.
Sybiha also drew attention to Russia's attempts to "whitewash" its war crimes through international sporting competitions. He stressed that any easing of sports sanctions during the war would be unacceptable and immoral, urging partners to keep Russian and Belarusian athletes out of major tournaments.
Global food security was another topic discussed at the meeting. According to the minister, Ukraine has practical proposals for restoring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.
The humanitarian mission in Oleshky was one of the most challenging operations in recent weeks. Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets explained why residents of the city were evacuated through Crimea, Russia and Belarus: according to Ukraine's Defense Forces, it was impossible to evacuate people directly to Kherson by water.
Security in the Black Sea also remains on the agenda. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently said that Türkiye and India had proposed ideas for restoring the movement of grain shipments.
Ahead of the G7 meeting, Sybiha outlined Ukraine's position on the talks in Abu Dhabi. He said Kyiv had presented partners with its own proposals for a ceasefire in the Black Sea and the energy sector and was awaiting Russia's response. In addition to de-escalation and security guarantees, Ukraine is proposing a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin, which the minister believes could accelerate the end of the war.
