KANANASKIS, Alberta — The Group of Seven summit concluded with limited progress on several pressing global issues, as leaders failed to deliver ambitious joint agreements following the early departure of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The summit, held in the Canadian Rockies, was overshadowed by widening conflicts — including Russia’s war in Ukraine and escalating violence between Israel and Iran — yet ended without unified declarations on these crises. Trump’s abrupt exit on Monday left the remaining six leaders to navigate high-stakes diplomacy without the U.S. president, whose stance diverged sharply from other members on key topics like sanctions and military strategy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte joined the final day of meetings, where Zelenskyy called for stronger support and a push for a ceasefire with Russia. While the six other G7 nations reaffirmed solidarity with Ukraine, they were unable to issue a joint statement due to U.S. opposition. A Canadian official initially suggested Washington blocked consensus, though the Prime Minister’s office later clarified no formal proposal had been distributed.
Tensions over Iran also dominated talks, with leaders divided on how to respond to Israel’s military strikes and Iran’s retaliatory attacks. French President Emmanuel Macron warned against any push for regime change in Tehran, cautioning that it could destabilize the Middle East.
Despite these challenges, leaders managed to release a brief, general statement — including Trump — opposing nuclear proliferation in Iran and urging de-escalation in the region. That limited consensus was viewed as a modest diplomatic achievement amid otherwise muted outcomes.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, hosting his first G7, announced new sanctions on Russia and stressed continued support for Ukraine. He defended Trump’s early departure as driven by unfolding events in the Middle East, not summit discord. Still, Trump’s absence highlighted widening divides within the group and undercut efforts to project unified leadership on global affairs.
Trump’s emphasis on trade disputes also clashed with the summit’s collaborative tone. He maintained steep tariffs on key imports and prioritized bilateral deals — including a new trade framework with the U.K. — over multilateral solutions.
The summit’s closing scenes included flashes of tension and awkwardness among leaders, underscoring the geopolitical strain surrounding the event. With growing fractures over war, sanctions, and trade, the G7 wrapped up with more symbolism than substance — and uncertain prospects for unity going forward.
