Zelensky Tells G7 Leaders ‘We Count on You for Our Victory’

On Saturday, 24th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hosted a gathering of Western leaders in Kiev. The occasion marked the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In addition to the in-person event, Zelensky also held a video conference with representatives from the G7 nations. In this digital meeting, the G7 representatives committed to imposing sanctions on Russia and pledged to continue to provide assistance to Ukraine in its defense efforts.

During the broadcast, Zelensky expressed his gratitude and reliance on the G7 nations, stating “We count on you for our victory.” He also provided a poignant reminder of the dangers of imperial ambitions and revanchism, asserting that the only end to such ideologies is defeat. He emphasized that true security and democratic progress could only be achieved through the defeat of those infected with such ambitions.

Several prominent figures attended the event in person in Kiev to show their support for Ukraine. These included the Prime Ministers of Canada, Italy, and Belgium, namely Justin Trudeau, Giorgia Meloni, and Alexander de Croo, respectively. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also attended the event in person.

Meloni acted as the chairperson for the virtual meeting, which concluded with the joint release of a statement signed by the leaders of the G7 nations. The G7, or Group of Seven, consists of Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and Canada.

The joint statement reaffirmed the commitment of the signatory countries to the long-term security of Ukraine. They agreed to thwart Russia’s efforts to build its war machine. This commitment underscores the G7 nations’ collective resolve to stand against Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine.

In the final document, the G7 nations also pledged to help Ukrainians meet their urgent financial needs. The statement highlighted the European Union’s approval of the so-called Ukraine Fund, valued at 50 billion euros. It also acknowledged Japan’s rapid delivery of its budgetary support in the first quarter of 2024 and new financing from Canada.

The leaders of the G7 nations further stated their stance against Russia’s actions, stating that they will never recognize the so-called ‘elections’ carried out by Russia in Ukraine’s territories, either past or future, nor their results. They expressed their support for investigations by the Prosecutor’s Office of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other prosecutors within their jurisdictions into crimes committed by the Russians.