G7 meeting kicks off with focus on Ukraine, allies show solidarity with Canada

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Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly received symbolic support from some of her G7 counterparts amid U.S. antagonism toward Canada as officials met in Quebec to tackle the world’s top geopolitical challenges.

Officials from the United States, Japan, Britain, France, Italy and Germany, as well as the European Union, are in the region of Charlevoix in Quebec this week for the foreign ministers’ meeting.

In an apparent sign of solidarity, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas wore white and red outfits respectively on Thursday, representing the colours of the Canadian flag.

Ms. Baerbock posted a picture of the two of them on X with the caption “We’ve got your back,” tagging Ms. Joly.

With trade and geopolitical tensions on the minds of the G7 officials, Ms. Joly held bilateral meetings with her counterparts on Thursday.

She is expected to hold a press conference on Friday morning before heading back to Ottawa for incoming prime minister Mark Carney’s swearing-in ceremony.

Since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the U.S. has found itself at odds with several G7 countries over both trade and Ukraine.

Tensions have been particularly acute with Canada as Mr. Trump repeatedly suggests it should become the 51st state.

Asked about Canadian sovereignty, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told reporters “Canada will be Canada also in the future.”

However, G7 officials are still hoping to work with the U.S. on some of the most pressing geopolitical issues, including the war in Ukraine.

In her opening remarks on Thursday, Ms. Joly said supporting Ukraine and maritime-related challenges, including the growing use of shadow fleets, will be on the agenda at this week’s G7 meeting.

Western countries have accused Russia of using a “shadow fleet,” made up of aging oil tankers registered in other countries and used to circumvent sanctions.

Ms. Joly told the officials that they all must “meet the moment” to tackle global challenges, including securing a “lasting peace” in Ukraine and stability in other regions, including the Middle East and Africa.

She also said she wants this week’s meeting to address maritime-related problems, including efforts to restrict navigation, sabotage of underwater pipelines, illegal fishing and the use of dark vessels.

Bloomberg has reported that the U.S. opposed a Canadian proposal to establish a task force that would work on Russia’s use of shadow fleets.

After a hostile reception of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in late February, the Trump administration revoked military aid for Ukraine as well as intelligence sharing.

The White House restored both this week after Ukraine agreed to a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ms. Joly welcomed the proposed temporary ceasefire as well as the resumption of U.S. aid and intelligence sharing.

“The ball is now in Russia’s court to show that it is likewise ready for a ceasefire and to put an end to the bloodshed. The world is watching,” Ms. Joly said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he agrees with the U.S.’s proposal to stop fighting with Ukraine but added that a deal would have to address the root causes of the conflict.

A final communiqué from the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting is expected to be released on Friday.

Meanwhile, as the trade war between Canada and the U.S. continues and risks escalate, Ms. Joly met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday morning.

“We discussed the impact of tariffs, the latest developments with the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire negotiations and the importance of the G7 to address geopolitical challenges together,” Ms. Joly posted on X about the meeting.

Pens provided to officials at the summit were also made of Canadian aluminum – just one day after Mr. Trump imposed a tariff on the metal.