G7 reinforces sanctions on Russia and creates port network to combat trafficking

World leaders and their spouses pose for a photo before a gala dinner at the G7 summit, in Evián, France, on June 16, 2026.
Evelyn Hockstein/ Reuters
The leaders of the G7, a group that brings together some of the world's main economies, said this Wednesday (17), during a summit in France, that they will increase pressure on Russia in support of Ukraine. The also announced new measures to combat international drug trafficking.
"In this context, we will strengthen our sanctions (against Russia), including those targeting the oil and gas sectors," the leaders said in a joint statement.
Separately, the leaders welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire agreement and said they were ready to contribute to its implementation.
They added that they will make efforts to diversify energy supply routes, reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, for where a fifth of the world's oil supply passes, and increase energy stocks.
In a joint statement, the G7 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to seeking coordinated solutions to dismantle drug trafficking networks and announced the creation of a network of G7+ ports to reinforce the fight against drug trafficking.
G7 Summit puts spotlight on war in Ukraine and the Middle East
"We commit to dismantling the economic infrastructure that enables these illegal activities, strengthening financial investigations to track, freeze, seize and confiscate income and associated assets, including virtual assets," they said in a statement.
The group also tasked ministers with drafting, by November 2026, an action plan to combat the infiltration of institutions by trafficking networks and criminal organizations.
In addition, countries committed to expanding financial investigations to track, freeze, seize and confiscate resources and assets linked to illegal activities, including assets virtual. The leaders also promised to deepen cooperation with countries of origin and transit to dismantle smuggling and trafficking networks.
Finally, the G7 leadership reported that it follows new legal approaches adopted by some of its members in partnership with third countries to strengthen migration management.
*With information from Reuters.

Source: G1