Zelensky Pushes for “Hellish Sanctions” on Russia at Upcoming G7 Summit
Kyiv, Ukraine – June 12, 2025 – Ukrainian President volodymyr Zelensky has publicly stated his intention to aggressively pursue a new, stringent package of sanctions against Russia at the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada (june 15-17). zelensky described the desired sanctions as “hellish” and emphasized their critical role in curbing Vladimir Putin’s ongoing war efforts. he also seeks to discuss Senator Lindsey Graham’s proposed sanctions with Donald Trump directly.
Zelensky addressed the issue during a joint press conference with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in kyiv, confirming his likely attendance at both the G7 and NATO summits, contingent on the evolving battlefield situation in Ukraine. He expressed gratitude to Ukrainian soldiers and those bolstering the nation’s defense, acknowledging their efforts as enabling his participation in international meetings.
Sanctions as a Priority
The President underscored that sanctions policy will be a central focus of the G7 discussions. He believes that “only thru dialog can we achieve an understanding from all countries that determine the implementation of a strong step of sanctions to stop or reduce Putin’s warfare.” This push for increased sanctions comes as over 16,500 sanctions have already been imposed on Russia by the US,UK,EU,Australia,Canada,and Japan since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 [[1]]. The effectiveness of these existing sanctions is a subject of ongoing debate, with some analysts questioning their impact on Russia’s economy [[2]].
Beyond Sanctions: Support & Reconstruction
Zelensky’s agenda extends beyond sanctions. He highlighted the need for continued support for Ukraine and securing commitments for the financing of the country’s reconstruction. he referenced a funding decision made last year for 2025 and stressed the importance of planning for future financial aid, emphasizing the need to maintain economic activity and essential logistics even during wartime.
NATO Summit & US Senate Consideration
while Zelensky indicated it was premature to discuss the agenda for the NATO Summit in Hague, he remains focused on securing further international support for Ukraine. He also addressed the question of Ukraine’s potential acceptance into the US Senate, though a timeline for that process remains unclear.
[CTA: Stay tuned to world-today-news.com for live updates from the G7 and NATO summits.]