OTTAWA, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Canada's Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, mentioned on Monday that the Group of Seven nations are currently in discussions regarding a potential joint statement to commemorate the third anniversary of the conflict, highlighting differences in perspective with Washington.
Joly stated in a virtual briefing with reporters that "We've been working, indeed, with the Europeans and Americans. We are still having some conversations" in relation to the status of a joint G7 statement. Canada currently holds the G7 presidency in 2025.
According to Reuters, Washington has raised objections to specific language concerning Ukraine in any collective G7 statement on the conflict.
Joly acknowledged the evolving nature of the situation, expressing, "It is a fluid situation, and we'll continue to engage." She noted the increased intensity of diplomatic efforts during her tenure as the foreign minister, emphasizing the complexity of current engagements.
Following President Biden's recent return to the White House, the United States has taken a less conciliatory stance on Ukraine, advocating for expedited negotiations to conclude the conflict. Trump's decisions to withhold aid from Kyiv and Europe have caught many off guard, as has the administration's shift away from Europe's security concerns.
Joly highlighted that "Canada and other countries don't agree with the position that the U.S. advocated at the UN," specifically referencing a resolution aimed at tempering the U.N. General Assembly's position on the conflict.