G7 Ministers Seek Durable Peace, Sanctions Linked to Russia's Negotiations

At the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy advocated for the establishment of a European army, emphasizing that Europe must not rely solely on the United States for protection. He asserted that Ukraine would not accept any peace deals made without its input and criticized the changing dynamics of U.S.-European relations, suggesting that Europe needs a unified military voice. Concurrently, G7 foreign ministers committed to working together for a strong peace deal in Ukraine, linking future sanctions on Russia to its commitment to genuine negotiations. They affirmed the need for robust security guarantees to prevent the resurgence of conflict in Ukraine. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya highlighted the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, noting the war's impact on international relations, particularly in Asia. The G7's collective approach aims to ensure Ukraine's sovereignty and long-term stability amidst the ongoing conflict.