G7 Considers Weapon Licenses as Germany Boosts Ukraine Aid

G7 leaders met in France and Switzerland to intensify pressure on Russia through increased oil and gas sanctions. During these meetings, Volodymyr Zelenskyy requested licenses for the domestic production of anti-ballistic missile systems and interceptors, arguing that current U.S. production cannot meet global demand. The G7 subsequently announced it is considering extending such licenses to Ukrainian and European firms to offset weapon shortages.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed positivity regarding additional Patriot missiles and confirmed that licensed production of these systems in Ukraine is under consideration, though no final decision has been reached. Simultaneously, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that Russian fatigue is showing, signaling a time to double down on support. Other proposals included a winter energy support package and French assistance in rebuilding the Chornobyl nuclear plant's fourth reactor sarcophagus.

Following a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the delivery of air-to-air missiles and $200 million for PAC-3 missiles. Germany and Ukraine also agreed to joint production of Termite drones. In a separate security move, Germany will deploy a combat-ready brigade of 5,000 personnel to Lithuania by late 2027. The Russian Defense Ministry warned that European production of Ukrainian weaponry draws those nations into war, while Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov labeled weapon shipments as legitimate targets.