G7 States Accelerate Joint Security Agenda Against Crises in Ukraine and the Middle East

In a world situation marked by crisis hotspots, the foreign ministers of the G7 nations are drawing closer together. On the idyllic island of Capri, they reaffirmed their unity and sought common strategies to support Kyiv in the face of Russian air strikes and to contain Iran's expansive stance in the Middle East. Germany, which has already delivered two Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, is preparing the delivery of a third system. This was announced by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who emphatically highlighted the essential importance of air defense on site. Jens Stoltenberg, invited for the first time as NATO Secretary General to an official G7 meeting, appeals to the alliance partners to intensify their support with additional air defense systems. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani joins this request and, representing the gathered G7 nations, assures Israel of solidary backing while simultaneously emphasizing the necessity for de-escalation. Meanwhile, the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell advocates for a consistent and perhaps even intensified application of the existing sanctions against Iran, which has come into the spotlight for sending drones to Russia. The discussion about more extensive restrictions is open and could already lead to new measures within the EU framework. In bilateral talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Baerbock highlighted signals from the United States that seem to indicate continued and enhanced support for Ukraine. The US House of Representatives is on the verge of deciding on a comprehensive support package, and Blinken reaffirms the urgency of maximum efforts by all of Ukraine's allies against Russian aggression. In this direction also speaks the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who urgently requests more Patriot air defense systems to strengthen the military situation and save lives. The G7 foreign ministers, who meet several times a year, face the responsibility to make timely and concrete decisions to protect Ukraine.