Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is speaking to the conscience of the G7 heads of state and government. They promise help “for as long as necessary”. From the point of view of development organizations, however, other global crises at Schloss Elmau are neglected.

The G7 states around Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) have promised Ukraine continued support against the Russian war of aggression and have promised further sanctions against Moscow.

“We will continue to provide financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support and stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary,” the leading democratic economic powers said in a statement on Monday at the G7 summit in Elmau, Bavaria. The heads of state and government of the group want to further increase the pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In addition to Germany, the G7 includes the USA, Canada, Great Britain, France, Italy and Japan. In addition, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Charles Michel will take part in the meeting, which will last until Tuesday.

Development organizations are critical

In addition to Germany, the G7 includes the USA, Canada, Great Britain, France, Italy and Japan. In addition, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Charles Michel will take part in the meeting, which will last until Tuesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj was connected to a working session.

After that, debates about the climate crisis and the threat of famine were on the agenda. Development organizations criticized the heads of state and government for taking far too little time for these important issues. “If the G7 countries continue as before, I really don’t understand why they are holding these high-security summits at all,” emphasized the director of One Germany, Stephan Exo-Kreischer.

Scholz: No turning back in relation to Russia

At the end of the second day of the summit, Scholz, who chairs the G7, spoke primarily about the relationship between the G7 and Russia. He expects long-lasting, deep cuts in international relations because of the war. “In relation to Russia, there can be no going back to the time before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”

On Twitter, he emphasized that they were “close to Ukraine” and would continue to support them. “We have to make tough but necessary decisions.” The Chancellor promised: “We will continue to increase the pressure on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. This war must end.”

Zelenskyy: Ukraine felt support from the G7

According to information from circles of participants in the switch, Selenskyj thanked him for the decision to grant his country candidate status for EU accession. He therefore made it clear that he hopes for an end to the war this year. According to a statement from Zelenskyy’s office, the President thanked the G7 for their financial and military support. Tightening sanctions against Russia is important for Kyiv. The discussed capping of the price of Russian oil was highlighted. In addition, Selenskyj demanded security guarantees for his country, the delivery of modern missile defense systems and other weapons, and help with the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Armaments and technology at the heart of new sanctions

According to the G7 declaration, new sanctions against Russia should focus on the armaments industry and the technology sector. “We are determined to reduce Russia’s revenues, including from gold,” it said. The White House announced that the measures were aimed, among other things, at military production and supply chains. In coordination with the G7 countries, the USA would impose sanctions on hundreds of other people and institutions and levy punitive tariffs on numerous Russian products.

G7 pledge budget support and support for reconstruction

The G7 countries promised Ukraine support for reconstruction and short-term budget support. They are “ready to support an international reconstruction plan” that is being drawn up by Ukraine in close consultation with bilateral and multilateral partners. Scholz had previously called for a “Marshall Plan” for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Between 1948 and 1952, the USA had helped Germany and other European countries to get back on their feet after the Second World War.

Budget support of up to 29.5 billion US dollars is intended to help Ukraine to maintain services of general interest for the population. It remains unclear whether it is a grant or a loan. At a meeting of the G7 finance ministers at the end of May, a sum of 19.8 billion dollars was still in the room. This also includes money that has already been paid since the beginning of the year.

Warning to Moscow against the use of ABC weapons

The G7 also warned Russia against using chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. This would be unacceptable and would have serious consequences, the G7 paper said. Scholz warned on ZDF of a division of the world in the wake of the Ukraine war. “First of all, one must not fall into the trap that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin sets of claiming that the world is divided into the global West (…) and everyone else,” he said. “There are democracies all over the world and they have very similar perspectives.” That’s why he invited five guest countries to the G7 summit of Western economic powers: India, Indonesia, South Africa, Senegal and Argentina. The heads of state and government of these countries attended the summit in the afternoon.

G7 agree cooperation on climate protection with host countries

The G7 agreed joint efforts for climate protection with the host countries. The switch to climate neutrality is to be promoted, renewable energies are to be expanded and coal is to be used less and less.

Scholz had said on ZDF that it was important to discuss the consequences of the Russian war with the host countries. “Many countries fear a hunger crisis, many countries fear massive increases in energy prices.” You have to stand together in solidarity. The G7 called on Russia to immediately and unconditionally stop attacks on agricultural infrastructure and open up ports for grain exports.

Ukraine and Russia are the world’s largest wheat exporters. Normally, they cover almost a third of global demand. Because Russia is currently blocking Ukrainian ports, a lot of grain cannot be exported. According to the World Food Program, 50 million people worldwide are on the brink of starvation.