G7 reveals plans to deter future Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The Group of Seven (G7) officially announced plans for long-term security commitments to help Ukraine defend itself against current and future Russian aggression in a statement issued[1] on July 12. "We, the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the strategic goal of creating a free, independent, democratic, and sovereign Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, capable of defending itself and deterring future aggression," the statement said. "We confirm that the security of Ukraine is an integral part of the security of the Euro-Atlantic region."

Each of the G7 members will focus on long-term bilateral cooperation to help Ukraine build up a military force capable of defending Ukraine and deterring future Russian aggression, according to the statement. As the specific areas of security and military cooperation, the press release listed providing modern military equipment on land, in the air, and at sea, training, intelligence sharing, developing resistance to cyber and hybrid threats, supporting Ukraine's defense industrial base, and interoperability with NATO forces. G7 pledged to support Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction efforts and to provide technical and financial support to address urgent needs arising from the war and to help implementation of governance reforms.

UPDATED: Zelensky meets with NATO leaders, discusses new military aid packages

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the second day of NATO's 2023 Vilnius Summit on July 12. Zelensky said the leaders promised Ukraine new military aid.

In the event of a future Russian attack, the world's leading democracies promised to immediately consult with Ukraine on the aid currently needed to repel the aggression.

G7 also pledged to continue sanctions against Russia and assist with the persecution of Russian war crimes in Ukraine. In turn, Ukraine will commit to greater transparency and accountability regarding partners' assistance, continue implementing reforms in law enforcement, judicial, anti-corruption, corporate governance, economic, security sector, and public administration, and ensure civilian control over the armed forces. The media reported[3] earlier on G7 security commitments to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities, prioritizing air defense, artillery, long-range weapon systems, armored vehicles, and air combat capabilities.

The announcement comes during the NATO summit in Vilnius, where Ukraine hopes to win further support in its defense against Russia's aggression. While Ukraine has not received the much-desired invitation to join NATO at the summit, scheduled to finish today on July 12, the allies have pledged to scale up their military support. A number of partners, including the U.K., France, Germany, and Norway have presented their new aid packages.

The "fighter jet coalition," a group of countries willing to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and the necessary training, has been officially formed during the summit, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov informed[4]. Zelensky commented that the summit brought good results, "but if there was an invitation (to NATO), it would be ideal."
[5]

News Editor

Martin Fornusek is a news editor at the Kyiv Independent. He has previously worked as a news content editor at the media company Newsmatics and is a contributor to Euromaidan Press.

He also volunteers as an editor and translator at the Czech-language version of Ukrainer. Martin studied at Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, holding a bachelor's degree in security studies and history and a master's degree in conflict and democracy studies.

References

1. ^ issued (president.gov.ua)
2. ^ UPDATED: Zelensky meets with NATO leaders, discusses new military aid packagesPresident Volodymyr Zelensky met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the second day of NATO's 2023 Vilnius Summit on July 12.

   Zelensky said the leaders promised Ukraine new military aid. (kyivindependent.com)

3. ^ reported (kyivindependent.com)
4. ^ informed (twitter.com)
5. ^ commented (kyivindependent.com)