• The war in Ukraine and its wide-ranging effects, from energy shortages to a food crisis, cast a shadow over the Group of Seven affluent
• “Other topics that will be discussed include climate change, an assertive China, and the rise of authoritarianism.
•  The G7 leaders will likely also talk about ways to lower energy costs and stop importing Russian oil and gas.

The war in Ukraine and its wide-ranging effects, from energy shortages to a food crisis, cast a shadow over the Group of Seven affluent democracies leaders’ three-day summit in the Bavarian Alps, which is being welcomed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Compared to last year, when the presidents of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the US gathered for the first time since before the COVID-19 epidemic and agreed to rebuild better, the meeting is taking place against a less rosy background.

Economic growth is being hampered by rising global oil and food prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

On Friday, the UN issued a warning about a “historic global hunger catastrophe.”

Other topics that will be discussed include climate change, an assertive China, and the rise of authoritarianism.

Although they will want to avoid penalties that could boost inflation and worsen the cost-of-living issue affecting their own people, the G7 leaders are anticipated to try to present a united front on backing Ukraine for as long as required and applying increased pressure on the Kremlin.

“The G7 will emphasise cooperation and togetherness in their message. The main message is that we maintain our alliance even in trying circumstances “EU officials stated.

According to a person acquainted with the situation, the G7 members are about to decide to forbid the importation of gold from Russia. Later, a source in the German administration claimed that leaders were discussing a potential price cap on Russian oil imports in “very positive” discussions.

The G7 leaders will likely also talk about ways to lower energy costs and stop importing Russian oil and gas.

The summit is held at the same location as when Germany previously hosted the G7 annual summit in 2015: the castle resort of Schloss Elmau at the base of Germany’s tallest peak, the Zugspitze. A year after Moscow’s annexation of Crimea, Russian aggression against Ukraine also predominated the discussion.

Scholz has the opportunity to capitalise on his role as host by taking a more strong stance on the Ukraine conflict at the summit.

The G7 leaders are likely to discuss measures to reduce energy costs as well as how to stop buying Russian gas and oil.

At the castle resort of Schloss Elmau at the foot of Germany’s tallest peak, the Zugspitze, the summit is held in the same place as when Germany last hosted the G7 annual summit in 2015. Russian aggression towards Ukraine dominated the conversation a year after Moscow annexed the Crimea.

Scholz has the chance to take use of his position as host by advocating for the Ukraine conflict more vehemently during the summit.