G7 leaders consider granting Ukraine licences to produce interceptor missiles

The leaders of the G7 countries have agreed to increase supplies of air defence systems and interceptor missiles to Ukraine and have indicated their readiness to consider granting licences for the production of such missiles directly in Ukraine.

Source: joint statement by G7 leaders

Details: The G7 leaders reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people amid ongoing Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and cultural heritage sites. They also praised Ukraine's resilience and the battlefield achievements of the defence forces in recent months.

Quote: "To support and accelerate this new momentum, we agree to increase the delivery of air defence capacities, additional systems and interceptors, and long-range capabilities. We are also ready to consider extending to Ukraine the benefit of licences to allow for an increase in Ukraine's military production."

Details: The leaders also agreed to provide support aimed at strengthening Ukraine's energy resilience ahead of next winter. In addition, the G7 pledged to increase pressure on Russia's war economy by expanding sanctions targeting the Russian oil and gas sectors.

Background:

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly appealed to the US to grant licences for the production of Patriot air defence systems. He has stressed the acute shortage of interceptor missiles amid continuing Russian ballistic missile attacks and argued that US manufacturing capacity has struggled to meet global demand, though no agreement had previously been reached.
• In early June, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was working with both European and American partners to launch production in Europe of air defence systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
• Zelenskyy held a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit on 16 June. He made a personal request to Trump to grant Ukraine licences to produce American anti-ballistic systems and interceptor missiles, including those used by the Patriot air defence system. According to Zelenskyy, Trump responded positively to the proposal and teams from both countries will begin work on the issue.

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