A touch of the "old West": G7 round avoids break with USA

Charlevoix. Despite the turmoil triggered by US President Donald Trump, the economically strong democracies of the West have agreed to compromise on key issues such as the highly controversial Ukraine policy. "All seven foreign ministers agree to the US proposal for a ceasefire, which is supported by the Ukrainians," said Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly on the sidelines of the meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Canada. The Russian reaction to the US proposal will now be examined.

According to the joint final declaration, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also committed to Ukraine's territorial integrity despite Trump's drastic change of course in the Ukraine war and his turn towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. "The G7 members reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in defence of its territorial integrity and right to exist, as well as its freedom, sovereignty and independence," reads the final document, which was made available to Deutsche Presse-Agentur.

Rubio did not want harsh language against Moscow

The efforts negotiated by the USA to achieve a ceasefire in the Ukraine war are welcomed in the paper - these are an "essential step towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with the United Nations Charter".

Joly spoke of a strong consensus on a number of issues. However, in view of the US President's unpredictable policies, it remains to be seen whether the threat of a split in the West due to Trump has actually been averted. In addition to Canada and the USA, Germany, the UK, France, Italy and Japan are also part of the group. The G7 heads of state and government plan to meet in Canada in mid-June.

For a long time, it was unclear whether there would be a joint final document because Rubio had announced that he would not support tough wording towards Moscow.

Middle East: Two-state solution not mentioned

In the Middle East conflict, the group called for the release of all hostages in Gaza and the handover of the remains of the victims. In view of the halt in aid deliveries by Israel, the G7 demanded "unhindered humanitarian aid for Gaza and a permanent ceasefire". The two-state solution sought by European and Arab states is not mentioned due to pressure from the USA.

However, the ministers emphasise "the need for a political horizon for the Palestinian people" and express concern about the growing tensions and hostilities in the West Bank. The two-state solution refers to an independent Palestinian state that exists peacefully side by side with Israel.

How did the consultations go?

It was noticeable that the US Secretary of State was absent from the joint activities of the G7 round of talks. Rubio was not present at the reception organised by host Joly on Wednesday evening when marshmallow sandwiches were served.

The US-American was also absent on Thursday afternoon. The majority of the group enjoyed a local speciality on the hotel terrace with a view of the impressive St. Lawrence River: maple taffy, a maple syrup cooled in the snow on a stick. Photos were taken of the German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) happily united with Joly, David Lammy (Great Britain), Jean-Noël Barrot (France) and the EU Foreign Affairs Envoy Kaja Kallas.

The theory circulating in Charlevoix was that Rubio had wanted to spare himself from being seen in such friendly and nice pictures with his colleagues. In view of the conflicts fuelled by Trump, these could possibly have aroused the ire of his boss.

Canada vows "maximum pressure" on Trump

On the tariff dispute with the US and Trump's threats to annex Canada, Joly said after a "very long conversation" with Rubio: "We will exert maximum pressure on the Americans and at the same time try to find ways out - because we know that Trump's tariffs will ultimately hurt the Americans." Rubio and she had agreed not to let disagreement stop them from "agreeing on other points as well". She added: "We know that we live in a dangerous world."

Trump has repeatedly called Canada the "51st state" and fuelled fears of annexation with his trade war, including punitive tariffs. Outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently warned of economic destruction caused by US tariffs, with Canada responding with a boycott of US products.

Joly: Trump's threats are no joke

Commenting on Trump's threats against her country, Joly said she believed that many of her G7 colleagues had thought "the issue was still a joke and should be taken with humour. But I told them: this is not a joke. Canadians are concerned."

With a view to Europe and Trump's "America first" course, Joly said that Canada wanted to promote new partnerships in the world. In doing so, the country wanted to turn more towards the European Union and Great Britain due to their historical ties. However, Canada knows that it needs to diversify its economy in view of the threat of US tariffs.

"Great fashion statement": Canada is delighted with Baerbock's outfit

A fashionable message from Baerbock together with EU foreign affairs representative Kaja Kallas was a source of joy for the hosts. In solidarity with their ally, both appeared in the Canadian national colours of red (Kallas) and white (Baerbock). "It was a great fashion statement," enthused Joly.