US Joins G7 Allies In 'Unwavering Support' For Ukraine, Cease-Fire Effort

The United States joined with its Group of Seven (G7) allies in stating "our unwavering support" for Kyiv and welcoming the ongoing efforts to reach a cease-fire as Russia intensifies attacks as part of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"We reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty, and independence," the foreign ministers of the leading industrial nations said in a joint statement on March 14.

The statement was signed by host Canada and the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, along with the high representative of the European Union.

It said the group also "welcomed ongoing efforts to achieve a cease-fire, and in particular the meeting on March 11 between the US and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

"We applauded Ukraine's commitment to an immediate cease-fire, which is an essential step toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations," it added following the summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada.

"We called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a cease-fire on equal terms and implementing it fully. We discussed imposing further costs on Russia in case such a cease-fire is not agreed, including through further sanctions, caps on oil prices, as well as additional support for Ukraine, and other means."

Some members of the G7 had expressed concerns of the ability to show unity following tensions with the administration of US President Donald Trump, who has shown more willingness to negotiate with Russia and President Vladimir Putin.

"The goal was to keep strong G7 unity," Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said.

Trump on March 14 said he sees a "very good chance" for peace between Ukraine and Russia after "very good and productive discussions" between US officials and Putin.

"We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end," Trump wrote.

His social media post came just hours after the Kremlin said it was "cautiously optimistic" following a meeting late on March 13 between Putin and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

Kyiv agreed to Trump's 30-day cease-fire proposal at a meeting in Jeddah on March 11, putting the onus for peace on Moscow.

Putin said he agrees in principle with the US proposal for a temporary cease-fire with Ukraine, but added that "there are nuances," such as Western weapons deliveries to Kyiv, that he wants addressed first.

The Russian leader also said any agreement should lead to long-term peace that addresses the "root" reasons for the war -- an apparent reference to NATO expansion and other developments Putin claims have put Russia's security in jeopardy.

Questioning Putin's Motives

In a video posted late on March 13, Zelenskyy questioned Putin's motives, saying the Russian leader was preparing to reject the proposal but was afraid to tell Trump.

"That's why in Moscow they are imposing upon the idea of a cease-fire these conditions -- so that nothing happens at all, or so that it cannot happen for as long as possible," Zelenskyy said.

In its joint statement, the G7 said that "we emphasized that any cease-fire must be respected and underscored the need for robust and credible security arrangements to ensure that Ukraine can deter and defend against any renewed acts of aggression."

"We stated that we will continue to coordinate economic and humanitarian support to promote the early recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine," including at the Ukraine Recovery Conference that will take place in Rome on July 10-11.

The statement "condemned" the provision of military assistance by North Korea, which has supplied an estimated 11,000 troops, and Iran, which has delivered deadly drones used by Russia in Ukraine.