WHAT DOES
UNITY LOOK
LIKE?
Since Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, G7 partners have unwaveringly supported Ukraine’s democracy and sovereignty.
The seven countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan) and the European Union have condemned Russia's attacks, toured war-torn neighborhoods with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and sent military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
“The United States, together with our allies and partners around the world, will continue to stand with the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity and their freedom.”
After traveling by train from Poland to Ukraine in February 2023, President Biden arrived in Kyiv to announce a U.S. aid package. “The Americans stand with you, and the world stands with you,” Biden told Zelenskyy.
U.S. aid to Ukraine isn’t confined to official government actions. Ordinary Americans also do their part.
Like Biden, the other G7 leaders stand with Ukraine, and their countries’ peoples support Ukrainians.
“We support Ukraine in its defense struggle … Putin should not and must not expect us to let up.”
In his June 2022 visit to Kyiv, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged robust aid to Zelenskyy and stated his support for Ukraine’s future membership in the European Union, which will be an important step for Ukraine.
The German people continue their generous donations to Ukrainians harmed by Russia’s attacks.
“For two years, Ukraine has fought with great courage to repel a brutal Russian invasion. … Ukraine is not alone and, indeed, Ukraine will never be alone.”
During his January 2024 visit to Kyiv, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak underscored “an unshakeable hundred-year partnership between Ukraine and the U.K.”
The British people are showing heart and pitching in too. A group of British farmers drove vehicles all the way to Western Ukraine to give them to the Ukrainian military.
“The Ukrainian people are defending the values of freedom and democracy on which our civilization is based, and the very foundations of international law. … We have always stood by Ukraine, and that is what we will continue to do.”
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni was moved by the devastation she saw when visiting Ukraine in February 2023. She said Italy would help Ukraine meet this "barbarism" by joining in the reconstruction of the Transfiguration Cathedral, the largest church in Odesa, and of other war-damaged cultural sites.
Many Italians send items through their churches or charities to the people of Ukraine.
“We must and we will remain committed until Ukraine and democracy prevail.”
In June 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met members of Ukraine’s military. Trudeau assured Zelenskyy that Ukraine “will have the predictable support it needs for long-term success.”
Canadians’ support for Ukraine is broad and includes medical professionals volunteering their time and talents. Canadian plastic surgeons have traveled to help Ukrainian doctors to repair the faces of victims of Russian bomb blasts.
“This G7 is first and foremost a G7 of unity, of support for Ukraine.”
When visiting Ukraine in June 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron offered aid and showed support for Ukraine’s membership in the EU.
In an outpouring of support, 1,700 local government bodies and dozens of companies throughout France have donated money for medical supplies, search-and-rescue equipment and emergency electrical supplies for hospitals.
“Japan’s participation in the measures against Russia transformed the fight ... to a global one.”
In March 2023, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida traveled to Kyiv and Bucha, a town scarred by Russian atrocities. In addition to sending aid, Japan, with Cambodia, is training Ukrainians to clear Russian landmines.
Kishida has invited Zelenskyy to participate in the May 2024 G7 Summit.
The people of Japan send a steady stream of donated food, medicine, household goods, batteries and lanterns to Ukraine’s elderly civilians and orphaned children.
“Europe will be at Ukraine's side for every single day of the war, and for every single day thereafter.”
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has visited Ukraine several times since the start of the war, conveying the support of the European Union.
EU member states are providing strong political, financial, humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine and imposing hard-hitting sanctions against Russia. They have welcomed more than 4 million people fleeing the war.
“Together with the entire G7, we have Ukraine’s back, and I promise we’re not going anywhere.”
More stories from the U.S. Department of State
