Following US President Joe Biden’s announcement earlier this week that they will debate possible extra actions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, G7 leaders will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday.
The talks will focus on the latest developments in the war, efforts to support Ukraine, and ways to show “continued G7 unity in our collective response, including by imposing severe costs for Putin’s war,” according to a White House spokesperson.
The G7 leaders, which include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Canada, and Italy, will meet virtually with Zelensky on Sunday morning, according to the spokeswoman.
The US and its allies have previously agreed on a slew of broad penalties against Russian banks, politicians, and other businesses in order to punish Moscow for its activities, which include alleged war crimes. Russia describes the invasion as a “special operation” aimed at demilitarizing and “denazifying” Ukraine.
Biden said on Wednesday that he expected to discuss possible more penalties against Russia for its ongoing and increasing war in neighboring Ukraine and that the US was always open to more.
“I’ll be communicating with the members of the G7 this week about what we’re going to do or not do,” he told reporters this week after the European Union proposed its strongest sanctions yet against Russia, including a phased oil embargo.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen declined to speculate on specific actions on Wednesday but said the US remained in continual contact with Moscow and could take additional steps to exert pressure.
On Sunday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who will take part in the call, will deliver a broadcast message to the German people.
According to a German government official, the date symbolizes the conclusion of World War Two and has special significance this year because Ukraine and Russia, both victims of Nazi Germany, are currently at war.
