Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations reaffirmed their united support for Ukraine and condemned escalating violence in Sudan on Wednesday but avoided divisive issues such as U.S. trade tensions with Canada and recent American military strikes in the Caribbean.

At the two-day meeting, the G7 ministers met with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, who urged continued international support as his country braces for a harsh winter amid intensified Russian attacks. In a joint statement, the ministers pledged to increase economic pressure on Moscow and target those financing its war.

Canada and the UK announced new sanctions and energy aid for Ukraine, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said discussions focused on strengthening Ukraine’s defense.

The gathering came shortly after President Donald Trump halted trade talks with Canada over a provincial advertisement that angered Washington. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand declined to discuss the issue, emphasizing that the focus was on G7 cooperation.

G7 foreign ministers gather in Canada amid rising trade tensions with Trump

Rubio also confirmed that U.S. military operations against alleged drug-smuggling vessels “didn’t come up once” in discussions, dismissing reports of intelligence-sharing tensions with Britain.

The G7 ministers also issued a strong condemnation of Sudan’s worsening conflict, with Rubio calling for urgent action to stop the flow of weapons to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The G7 includes Canada, the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, with ministers from Australia, India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa and Ukraine also invited.

Source: AP