Canadian state media explains absence of G7 Ukraine statement
G7 leaders did not issue a joint statement on the Ukraine conflict following the group's recent summit in Canada, because the US refused to sign off unless it was 'watered down,' Canadian state broadcaster CBC and other media outlets have reported.
The summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, ran from Sunday to Tuesday. US President Donald Trump left the gathering early, and did not meet with Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky, who also attended.
On Tuesday, CBC cited an anonymous official from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's office admitting that plans for a group statement on Ukraine were dropped.
The Americans reportedly opposed wording referencing Russia, due to concerns that it could jeopardize US-brokered diplomatic efforts to settle the conflict between Moscow and Kiev.
The Canadian PM's office later rejected the reports, with its spokesperson Emily Williams insisting that 'no proposed joint statement regarding Ukraine was distributed. Canada's intention was always for the important language to be a part of the G7 Chairs' Summary Statement, and it was.'
Carney's Summary statement said that the 'G7 leaders expressed support for President Trump's efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine' and backed Kiev's call for 'an unconditional ceasefire.'
Russia has repeatedly rejected Ukraine's sudden demand, calling it a ploy to allow Ukrainian forces regroup and resupply.
According to Carney, the G7 is 'resolute in exploring all options to maximize pressure on Russia, including financial sanctions.'
Commenting on the summit on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the event was 'rather unremarkable and meaningless.'
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