June 13 was the opening day of the G7 Summit, held in Apulia, Italy, and hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. As the central topic was Ukraine’s security amid the ongoing Russian full-scale invasion, here are the key takeaways from the first day of the Summit.
Japan and Ukraine signed a bilateral security agreement
The agreement was signed between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The agreement includes allocation of $4.5 billion this year, as well as the continued support for the 10-year term of the accord.
Zelenskyy noted the provision of financial, humanitarian, and other assistance to Ukraine totaling more than $12 billion.
“Japan is an obvious leader in Asia in defending international law and human life. From the first days of this criminal Russian invasion, Japan has stood with us, and this gives us all strength and capabilities,” Zelenskyy said.
G7 confirmed a $50 billion loan from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed the political agreement, highlighting that the funds for Ukraine will be sourced from profits generated by the frozen Russian assets over time.
“I confirm to you that we have reached the political agreement to provide additional financial support to Ukraine of approximately $50 billion by the end of the year,” said Meloni.
The money would be used for both Ukraine’s immediate defense needs, like weapons, and its long-term recovery efforts, like repairing its energy infrastructure.
“This is a very strong commitment which, by the way, gives the people of Ukraine the courage to do what is now necessary to defend their independence and their sovereignty,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented, talking to reporters on the sidelines of the Summit.
“It is also a clear signal to the Russian president that he can’t simply sit this thing out and hope that because of fiscal problems in some countries, which today support Ukraine, he will one day win this war.
“He will not,” Scholz added.
President Zelenskyy met with the prime minister of Canada
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G7 Summit to discuss the security situation, defense cooperation, and preparations for the NATO Summit in Washington.
Zelenskyy thanked Canada for its unwavering defense assistance and for planning future aid packages. He specifically commended the delivery of armored evacuation vehicles and other armored vehicles, as well as Canada’s initiative to secure a $50 billion loan for Ukraine using seized Russian.
“You were the first country to start advocating for this issue. Thank you for your strong voice. It will help Ukraine not only on the battlefield, but also in recovery. And on behalf of our entire nation, thank you for the defense support and for strengthening our guys, our brave heroes on the battlefield,” the Ukrainian President said.
US and Ukraine signed a historic security agreement
A long-anticipated bilateral security agreement was signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Joseph Biden. Through this document, the US makes a long-term security commitment to Ukraine. This not only strengthens Ukraine’s current war efforts but also serves as a deterrent against future Russian military aggression.
This agreement is viewed as a stepping stone on Ukraine’s path to NATO membership, with the US publicly backing this goal.
The US will support Ukraine in developing a layered and integrated air and missile defense system, in particular, building up the Patriot system network.
Moreover, it will coordinate with Ukraine, and work principally through an allied consortium, on the modernization of Ukraine’s Air Force, including working toward procurement of squadrons of modern fighter aircraft of the fourth generation (including but not limited to F-16s), and assisting in the development of other capabilities, including UAVs.
Chinese leadership assured that there will be no weapon supply for Russia in Ukraine war
During a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jiping, Zelenskyy stated that he has received assurances from Chinese leadership that they will not supply weapons to Russia in their war against Ukraine.
“I had a phone conversation with the leader of China. He said that he will not sell any weapons to Russia. If he is a respectable person he will not, because he gave me his word,” Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine-US agreement will include the procurement of squadrons of aircraft
During his speech, Zelenskyy emphasized that the deal with the US includes F-16 fighter jets and other weapons that Ukraine has long been asking for.
“The United States will support Ukraine in developing a layered and integrated air and missile defense system, in particular, building upon the Patriot system. It will coordinate with Ukraine, and work principally through an allied consortium, on the modernization of Ukraine’s Air Force, including working toward procurement of squadrons of modern fighter aircraft of the fourth generation (including but not limited to F-16s), and assist in the development of other capabilities, including UAVs,” according to Zelenskyy.
And finally, more defense systems for Ukraine
“Today, almost all our meetings here — at the G7 Summit, and on the sidelines of the Summit — are focused on what our military is saying, on our needs and our capabilities right now, if the supply is sufficient and timely. ‘Patriots’ is practically a Ukrainian word now. There will also be more equipment and other necessary supplies for the front,” according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The G7 Summit will continue until the June 15.
