G7 Leaders Consider Licenses for Interceptor Missile Production in Ukraine, Increase Air Defense Supplies

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries have agreed to increase the supply of air defense systems and interceptor missiles to Ukraine. They also stated their readiness to consider providing licenses for the production of these assets directly in Ukraine. This information is contained in a joint statement by the G7 leaders.

In the statement, the G7 leaders reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who are suffering from systematic Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and cultural heritage sites. They highly praised Ukraine's resilience and the successes of its Defense Forces on the battlefield in recent months, noting the emergence of new momentum on the front.

«To support and accelerate this new momentum, we agree to increase the supply of air defense assets, additional systems and interceptor missiles, as well as long-range capabilities. We are also prepared to consider providing Ukraine with relevant licenses to facilitate an increase in military production volumes in Ukraine,» the document states.

Furthermore, G7 leaders agreed to provide support to strengthen Ukraine's energy resilience ahead of the upcoming winter. The Group of Seven also pledged to intensify pressure on Russia's war economy by expanding sanctions against the Russian oil and gas sectors. Earlier, on June 16, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism that European leaders and the US President had reached a common position on the war in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump, on the sidelines of the G7 summit, suggested he would not extend exemptions from sanctions against Russian oil, which were imposed in response to global price increases caused by the war in Iran. According to media reports, Trump is ready to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia in exchange for assistance from European allies in demining the Strait of Hormuz.