G7 leaders, including US President Donald Trump, pledge continued support for Ukraine on invasion anniversary, backing a peace process and energy aid.

PARIS: G7 leaders, including US President Donald Trump, have reaffirmed their “unwavering support for Ukraine” on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

This marks the first joint G7 declaration on Ukraine since Trump returned to the White House a year ago.

“We express our continued support for President Trump’s efforts to achieve these objectives by initiating a peace process and bringing the parties to direct discussions,” the leaders stated.

They also noted support for the Coalition of the Willing, which has offered Ukraine security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire.

The leaders added that only Ukraine and Russia, in good faith negotiations, can reach a final peace agreement.

Moscow had initially hoped to take Kyiv within days when it launched its invasion on February 24, 2022.

Four years later, the conflict has killed hundreds of thousands and forced millions to flee.

The G7 said it has provided financial support and “critical equipment” such as generators to aid Ukraine’s energy supplies this winter.

Since January, more than half a billion euros in new pledges were made to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.

The United States has been mediating talks between the two sides this year in Geneva and Abu Dhabi.

The parties remain at odds over the issue of territory.

 The Sun Malaysia