Jeddah: The United States is pushing back against language that could hinder diplomatic efforts to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday. Washington’s stance has raised concerns among G7 allies ahead of a key ministerial meeting this week.
Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations—Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States—are set to convene in La Malbaie, Quebec, from March 12-14. This will be the first G7 meeting since President Donald Trump returned to office in January.
While previous meetings have emphasized a united front in support of Ukraine since Russia’s suspension from the group in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea, Trump’s approach has shifted dynamics. His administration has sought closer ties with Moscow while simultaneously criticizing Kyiv, disrupting Western unity.
Diplomatic Struggles Over G7 Statement
According to four G7 diplomats, Canada had initially proposed a comprehensive statement covering issues including Ukraine, the Middle East, and China. Additionally, a separate declaration was expected to outline the G7’s stance on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”—vessels allegedly used by Moscow to bypass international sanctions by transporting oil, arms, and grain without regulation or insurance from Western providers.
In the last G7 joint statement in November, nearly two of its eight pages were devoted to Ukraine, primarily criticizing Russia. However, current discussions have become contentious, with concerns that no full agreement may be reached.
Two diplomats revealed that the U.S. is advocating for the removal of references to sanctions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while pushing for stronger language on China.
Speaking to reporters while en route to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Ukrainian officials, Rubio acknowledged difficulties in negotiations but defended Washington’s position.
“We feel like antagonistic language sometimes makes it harder to bring parties to the table, especially since we’re the only ones right now that seem to be in a position to make talks like that possible,” Rubio stated.
He expressed confidence that a meaningful and unifying document would be produced, one that does not “undermine our ability to bring both sides to the table.”
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US Blocks Shadow Fleet Statement
Three diplomats also indicated that the U.S. opposes a separate G7 statement on Russia’s shadow fleet. This position follows Washington’s recent divergence from allies at the United Nations and World Trade Organization in February, where it declined to explicitly condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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A G7 diplomat noted the growing difficulty in reaching a consensus:
“The best-case scenario is two statements. Plan B is one statement. But the Americans are blocking the maritime statement, so it’s not easy. Even what the Canadians thought was going to be easy is not in fact easy.”
Talks remain ongoing as diplomats attempt to navigate a compromise ahead of the G7 summit.
