G7 Urges Russia to Accept Ceasefire or Face More Sanctions

Top diplomats from the Group of Seven (G7) leading democracies have urged Russia to accept a U.S.-proposed ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war or face the imposition of additional sanctions. The call came in a joint statement issued after the G7 talks in Canada on Friday.

“We called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully,” the diplomats said. They also warned that if Russia fails to agree, the G7 would consider further sanctions, oil price caps, and additional support for Ukraine.

The statement reaffirmed the G7’s strong support for Ukraine, emphasizing its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and right to independence.

The Kremlin, however, has signaled hesitation in endorsing the ceasefire proposal. While Russia’s spokesperson acknowledged "cautious optimism" about a potential deal, they noted that several questions about the ceasefire’s implementation remain unanswered.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that after the return of U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff from Russia, American officials would closely examine Moscow's position before determining the next steps. Rubio expressed cautious optimism but acknowledged the complexity of the situation.

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stressed that all G7 foreign ministers agree with the U.S. ceasefire proposal, with the next move now depending on Russia's response. British Foreign Minister David Lammy also underscored the urgency, saying it is now Russia’s turn to accept the ceasefire without conditions.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Russia’s reluctance, calling it a deliberate attempt to complicate the process. Zelenskyy emphasized that an unconditional 30-day ceasefire is a critical first step toward a lasting peace.

The G7 talks, held in Charlevoix, Quebec, also focused on strategic challenges posed by China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia. The ministers expressed concerns over China’s military build-up and its rapid increase in nuclear capabilities, urging China to engage in transparency and risk-reduction discussions.

In a broader context, U.S. officials suggested that a potential resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict could free up resources to address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, where growing threats demand increased focus.

The G7’s calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine come as the international community closely monitors the evolving situation, with further diplomatic and economic measures poised to follow based on Russia’s response.