EVIAN, June 17 -- Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) have pledged to strengthen Ukraine's air defences and intensify economic pressure on Russia, including new sanctions targeting its oil and gas sector, according to a joint statement issued at the end of their summit in France.

The statement reaffirmed what leaders described as their "unwavering support" for Ukraine, stressing continued backing for its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the summit and held bilateral meetings with several leaders, including US President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy has repeatedly urged allies to expand military assistance, particularly advanced air defence sys...