A meeting between the top diplomats from the Group of 7 (G7) major industrialized democracies concluded in La Malbaie, Quebec, with a unified stance on supporting Ukraine and a U.S.-backed peace proposal, despite lingering tensions caused by U.S. trade policies. The U.S., Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan representatives agreed on a joint communique after extensive negotiations, affirming their support for Ukraine and advocating for a ceasefire that would also involve Russia.
The diplomats faced challenges due to the strained relations resulting from U.S. President Donald Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs and his consequential remarks about Canada. Despite these distractions, the group centered around Trump’s plan for peace in Ukraine, with the communique reinforcing the importance of Ukraine maintaining its territorial integrity and sovereignty while calling for reciprocal actions from Russia to implement a ceasefire.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the G7’s Ukraine stance was not in contradiction with the Trump administration’s position, noting the President’s continued support for peace without conceding undue land control to Russia. Further sanctions on Russia were discussed as a potential measure should Putin decline the proposed ceasefire. Notably, the joint statement avoided directly condemning Russia for its previous invasion of Ukraine, aligning with U.S. preferences to avoid provocation as diplomatic negotiations were ongoing.
Meanwhile, Trump’s apparent openness to reintroducing Russia into the formerly G8 group drew concern among G7 members, considering Russia’s prior expulsion due to its annexation of Crimea. Still, unity on Ukraine marked a critical achievement amidst other disagreements, primarily regarding trade policies pertaining to the recent tariffs. Canadian tension was particularly palpable given its direct and personal impact from Trump’s comments and policy decisions.
During the meetings, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly had frank exchanges with Rubio, stressing Canada’s sovereignty amid contentious discussions over trade. As Trump made jesting comments about Canada becoming the 51st state, Joly reinforced that Canadian autonomy is unequivocal, reflecting resistance to any subjection regarding its nationhood. The tariffs were highlighted as a significant concern not only for Canada but other G7 members, prompting demands for reconsideration from U.S. counterparts.
Despite the trade discord, Joly and Rubio shared a cordial professional rapport, with Rubio clarifying that the tariffs aimed for equitable trade rather than hostility towards allies. The collective diplomatic efforts were underscored by a shared commitment to confronting global challenges, including situations in the Middle East and Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea.
The G7 leaders underscored their solidarity and mutual interests in the closing communique, extending their dialogue beyond Ukraine to other pressing international issues. Nonetheless, Trump’s policies cast a shadow on the assembly, as Canada prepared for its Prime Minister’s inaugural cabinet meeting, truncating the event. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and other foreign dignitaries voiced solidarity with Canada, ensuring firm support amidst these geopolitical strains.
With common positions expressed on a range of global concerns, the G7 conference symbolized both enduring unity and prevailing divisions over policy approaches, reflecting a blend of harmony and disagreement amid evolving global dynamics.