Canada: As global leaders gather for the G7 summit in Canada, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged the world’s major economies to increase pressure on Russia. Speaking ahead of the two-day meeting in Kananaskis, Alberta, she emphasized that the West must not ease up on sanctions if there is any hope of compelling Moscow to end its war on Ukraine.
Von der Leyen revealed that the European Union is preparing an 18th sanctions package aimed at tightening the screws on Russia’s energy and financial sectors. This upcoming package will likely include stricter measures on oil transport via pipelines, curbs on the so-called “shadow fleet” of tankers that help Russia bypass current sanctions, and expanded enforcement of oil price caps.
While Europe appears poised to move forward decisively, the Commission President signaled that full alignment with the United States remains uncertain. She acknowledged that U.S. President Donald Trump, who is attending the summit, has been cautious about matching or escalating sanctions, citing concerns that further punitive actions might hinder prospects for a ceasefire.
Beyond the Ukraine conflict, von der Leyen also expressed alarm over the escalating crisis between Israel and Iran. She underscored the global repercussions of these tensions, noting how the conflict has already driven up energy prices and threatened economic stability. She called for a coordinated G7 response to both stabilize markets and prevent further geopolitical destabilization.
In her meeting with President Trump, von der Leyen stressed that diplomacy must accompany deterrence, especially in efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. She also highlighted the disturbing trend of Iranian-made drones and missiles being used in both Ukraine and the Middle East, illustrating the interconnectedness of these regional conflicts.
The G7 summit is expected to include in-person participation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who will lobby for continued military and financial support from Western allies. For Europe, maintaining solidarity with Kyiv is vital, but sustaining that unity may prove increasingly difficult amid rising global tensions and domestic political pressures.
In conclusion, von der Leyen’s appeal sets the tone for a summit that could prove critical for shaping the West’s next phase of response to Russia’s aggression. With both Eastern Europe and the Middle East teetering on the edge, the G7’s decisions this week may define the trajectory of multiple global crises.