G7 backs Ukraine, sidesteps trade and U.S. strikes
G7 ministers condemned Sudan’s escalating violence, while the U.S. Secretary of State voiced alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis.
Tokyo: Top diplomats from the world’s leading industrial democracies — the Group of Seven (G7) — showcased a united front on Wednesday (November 12, 2025) as they reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine and condemned the worsening violence in Sudan. Yet, notably, they avoided diving into more divisive topics, including recent U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean and growing trade frictions among major economies.
The two-day G7 meeting, hosted in Tokyo, brought together foreign ministers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union. The gathering was aimed at finding common ground on pressing global issues — from the war in Ukraine to conflicts in Africa — while preserving the delicate balance within the alliance amid differing national priorities.
The meeting began with a show of solidarity toward Ukraine, which continues to face relentless Russian air assaults that have battered its energy grid and left millions in darkness. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, who joined the discussions, warned that his country was heading into one of its toughest winters since the full-scale invasion began.
His remarks underscored the urgency of maintaining Western unity as Ukraine faces dwindling ammunition supplies and widespread infrastructure damage.
In their joint statement, the G7 ministers reaffirmed their “unwavering support” for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, pledging to tighten sanctions on Russia and to explore new measures targeting individuals and companies that help finance the Kremlin’s war machine. “We are increasing the economic costs to Russia,” the statement read, adding that the group would continue to work on “closing loopholes and preventing sanctions evasion.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, attending his first major multilateral summit since assuming office, struck a cautious tone. While he offered no immediate announcement of new U.S. initiatives, he emphasized the importance of sustaining global pressure on Moscow. “We’re committed to strengthening Ukraine’s defense and finding an end to this bloody conflict,” Rubio posted on social media after the meeting.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand echoed the same sentiment, saying, “We are doing whatever is necessary to support Ukraine.” She also praised the G7 for standing together at a time when “democracy itself is under assault.”
However, behind the show of unity, there were clear signs of discomfort on other fronts. Diplomats privately acknowledged that discussions on U.S. military actions in the Caribbean — where American forces recently struck vessels linked to regional militias — were “tense and brief.” The issue did not feature in the official communiqué, reflecting an apparent desire to sidestep controversy that could distract from the central focus on Ukraine and global stability.
Trade tensions also hovered over the meeting. Several European representatives reportedly raised concerns over new U.S. industrial policies and tariffs, but those topics, too, were left out of public discussions. “And that is exactly what I think I should be discussing.”
The ministers also turned their attention to Africa, expressing deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where renewed clashes between rival military factions have killed thousands and displaced millions. In their statement, the G7 condemned “the ongoing violence and atrocities in Sudan” and called for “an immediate cessation of hostilities and unimpeded humanitarian access.” Rubio said the U.S. was working with partners to expand aid and hold those responsible for atrocities accountable.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, the meeting’s host, highlighted the importance of keeping the G7 focused on common goals rather than disagreements. “The world is facing multiple crises at once — from Ukraine to the Middle East to Africa. Our unity is our strength,” she said at the closing press conference.
While the meeting produced no sweeping new initiatives, diplomats described it as a reaffirmation of shared principles and a reminder that — despite their differences — the G7 remains aligned on the defense of democracy, peace, and international order.
As the ministers departed Tokyo, one senior European envoy summed up the tone of the gathering: “We didn’t solve everything, but we stood together — and right now, that’s what matters most.”