Diplomats from the G7 nations were preparing to negotiate a joint statement to demonstrate solidarity in Canada following weeks of friction between US allies and President Donald Trump regarding his disruption of Western trade and security policies.
The Group of Seven ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States, along with representatives from the European Union, gathered in the picturesque town of La Malbaie, nestled within the hills of Quebec, for meetings yesterday and today that in the past have generally been characterized by consensus.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided an update to his colleagues on discussions held on Tuesday with Ukraine in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine indicated its readiness to support a 30-day ceasefire agreement.
The Group of Seven ministers convened in the town of La Malbaie, situated in the Quebec hills.
However, officials noted that vague remarks from Russian President Vladimir Putin left delegates uncertain about the current situation.
There was optimism regarding a potential accord, which they viewed as essential for showcasing unity.
“Failing to reach consensus on the communique would signal division, which is detrimental to every G7 member,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting.
Kallas expressed optimism, highlighting that there were promising statements regarding Ukraine that she hoped would be retained in the final document.
A Japanese official echoed her sentiments, suggesting that a failure to reach an agreement would primarily serve the interests of China and Russia.
The US decision to impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports prompted immediate retaliatory actions from Canada and the EU, emphasizing the existing tensions.
Kaja Kallas remarked that a lack of agreement on the communique would reflect divisions.
“Under POTUS’s leadership, we will leverage forums like the G7 to counter adversaries and stand by our allies. America First!” Mr. Rubio proclaimed on X.
The United States aimed to set specific boundaries on the language surrounding Ukraine and opposed a separate declaration regarding curbing Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, a clandestine shipping network that bypasses sanctions, while advocating for more assertive language regarding China.
A draft communique reviewed by Reuters did not indicate any new sanctions on Russia.
Nevertheless, it stressed the necessity for strong and credible security guarantees to ensure that any ceasefire would be upheld, allowing Ukraine to deter and defend against future aggression.
The draft, significantly shorter than a statement issued in November targeting Russia, commended US initiatives in Jeddah and noted Ukraine’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire, urging Russia to comply “unconditionally.”
It also featured firmer language on China, as requested by the US, and language concerning Taiwan that is likely to be favorable to Taipei.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that forums like the G7 could be utilized to ‘counter our adversaries.’
Since Mr. Trump’s return to office on January 20, the United States has adopted a less favorable position towards Ukraine and gravitated closer to Russia, advocating for a swift resolution to the conflict while urging European partners to shoulder more of the burden without explicitly endorsing their role in future negotiations.
Two diplomats noted that there was also contention over language related to Gaza and the Middle East, particularly concerning the concept of a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which the US was resisting and could ultimately derail an agreement.
A G7 statement issued during the Munich Security Conference in February made no mention of a two-state solution. Ms. Kallas indicated that a similar compromise might be plausible.
The draft also cautioned Syria’s transitional authorities that targeted actions could be taken if what it termed “massacres” against civilians in coastal regions did not cease.
Tariffs and the 51st state
Mr. Trump has proposed the possibility of reviving the G8 with Russia’s return, eleven years after its membership was suspended due to its annexation of Crimea.
Donald Trump has suggested the G8’s revival with Russia’s reintegration.
Even Japan, which heavily relies on US security assurances, has found itself under scrutiny from Mr. Trump.
“It’s quite challenging. Perhaps we should wait for the G8,” remarked one European diplomat with irony.
The difficulties faced by US allies are most evident in Canada.
Relations between the United States and Canada have plunged to an all-time low due to Mr. Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on all imports from Canada, along with his frequent suggestions about turning Canada into the 51st US state.
Mr. Trump also issued another tariff threat, warning Europe that he could impose 200% tariffs on wine imports unless it withdrew measures against US whiskey.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly stated that she would adopt an assertive position at the G7 and coordinate a response with European counterparts to apply pressure on the US.
