G7 Diplomats Focus on Ukraine Ceasefire and Global Security in Quebec
Group of Seven foreign ministers convened in Canada to prioritize a just peace in Ukraine, discussing potential ceasefire terms amid recent diplomatic breakthroughs.
- G7 foreign ministers met in Quebec to prioritize Ukraine peace and global defense.
- Ukraine accepted a U.S. proposal for an immediate 30-day interim ceasefire.
- Russia supports the ceasefire in principle but requires further detail negotiations.
- EU chief Kaja Kallas warned against conditional ceasefires amid rising Russian military spending.
Top diplomats from the Group of Seven gathered Thursday in Charlevoix, Quebec, marking the alliance’s 50th anniversary with a sharp focus on achieving a “just and lasting peace in Ukraine” and reinforcing global defense partnerships.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly outlined the agenda during opening remarks, stating that “peace and stability is on the top of our agenda.” She emphasized the need to support Ukraine against Russia’s illegal aggression while addressing emerging maritime security threats, including the use of shadow fleets and sabotage of undersea infrastructure.
The talks follow significant diplomatic developments in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Wednesday that Ukraine is prepared to accept the proposal, welcoming extensions to air, sea, and land domains.
Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated Thursday that Moscow supports the U.S. ceasefire plan in principle, though key details remain unresolved. Rubio highlighted the necessity of trusted monitors to oversee any potential truce, noting the challenge of verifying compliance on the ground.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged firmness in negotiations, warning against conditional ceasefires that could obscure intentions. “Either you want to end this war, or you don’t,” Kallas told CNN International, adding that European nations are massively increasing defense investments as Russia dedicates over 9% of its GDP to military spending.
Beyond the Ukraine conflict, G7 ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States discussed China’s role in global security and Indo-Pacific stability. Rubio is also scheduled for a bilateral meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.
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