G7 foreign ministers gathered on March 14, 2025, at La Malbaie, Canada, where they approved a draft declaration emphasizing the urgency for Russia to embrace the United States' proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine. Should Russia reject this proposal, the G7 warned of impending sanctions.
The proposed declaration calls for Moscow's compliance without preconditions, stressing the importance of substantial security guarantees for Ukraine. These guarantees aim to prevent any renewed aggression from Russia, ensuring stability within the region.
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly remarked on the support expressed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and reiterated the G7's unified voice on the necessary security measures. She highlighted the necessity for Russia to acknowledge the ceasefire proposal, noting, "We support the American proposal for a temporary ceasefire, accepted by the Ukrainians, and await the Russian response."
Joly mentioned how, at times, her colleagues appeared to find the proposition of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state laughable, reflecting their surprise at media inquiries surrounding Canadian sovereignty amid heightened tensions with Russia. She stated, "Some of my colleagues thought it was still a joke, hence their surprise over questions from Canadian media and folks at home. The reality is serious – Canada’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. That’s my position with my colleagues."
During the discussions, the G7 also faced the challenge of addressing diverging views among member nations concerning the U.S. approach to Russia. The emphasis from U.S. President Donald Trump has turned more conciliatory, urging diplomatic engagement rather than confrontation with Moscow, much to the chagrin of some European counterparts. This shift has raised concerns over whether such diplomacy might cause irreparable harm to Ukraine's negotiating power.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock cautioned against too lenient of a stance, stating, "Peace in Europe will only come through strength. What good is a ceasefire if it could lead to more suffering and destruction after two or four years?"
Further complicate matters, Putin expressed conditional support for the truce, indicating he would require key demands to be addressed before halting hostilities. According to Putin, any agreement must necessarily tackle what he termed the “original causes of this crisis,” including Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and the lifting of Western sanctions. ``We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities," he acknowledged but added, "This cessation should lead to long-term peace.”
On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Putin of using preconditions to stall negotiations. Speaking to the media, he asserted, "That is why they are imposing these conditions on the ceasefire – so nothing happens at all. We are calling on Washington to take strong measures.”
The tension within the G7 was palpable, with some ministers arguing for unity and addressing the Russian threat directly, even as others echoed the U.S. sentiment of negotiating peace. Efforts to achieve consensus strengthened as the final communiqué was prepared, intending to reflect the G7's unwavering support for Ukraine, devoting calls for strong security measures upon reaching any agreements.
Meanwhile, the impact of the conflict reverberates beyond Ukraine, with nations like Japan expressing concerns about the consequences should Russia's aggression continue unchecked. Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya underscored the regional impact, highlighting the risks entailed should the situation escalate. “If the G7 cannot present a united front, it only benefits states like China and Russia,” asserted Toshihiro Kitamura, the Japanese foreign ministry spokesman.
The discussions culminated with the G7 calling on Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to ceasefire conditions founded upon mutual respect and safeguards for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Amidst fear of impending sanctions, G7 members are committed to standing resolute, ensuring they continue as allies against the threats characterized by the current geopolitical climate.
Although the promise for peace remains fragile, the G7’s collective stance aims to encourage negotiations, reinforce support for Ukraine, and uphold democratic sovereignty, necessary ingredients for achieving lasting stability within the region.