The G7 and its partners are “committed” to ensuring that Ukraine has the money, ammunition and forces to fight effectively in 2025 or negotiate peace from a position of strength, US Secretary of State Antony says Blinken.

The diplomat, speaking after meetings with G7 foreign ministers in Italy, said the United States was continuing to increase security assistance to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses in the east.

He also said Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops in its war against Ukraine was a matter of “grave concern” for the G7.

“The reality is: Ukraine is fighting for us. It’s not just fighting for itself, it’s fighting for us,” he said.

“What we have been saying all along, and the reason why so many countries are involved in defending Ukraine, is that Russia’s aggression is not only aimed at Ukraine and its people.

“It is an assault on the very principles that are at the heart of the international system and that are necessary to try to maintain peace and stability.”