German finance minister calls for swift resolution to Trump tariff wars as G7 finance ministers meet in Canada – Europe live

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Morning opening: Just stop it

Finance ministers of the world’s seven largest economies – G7 – are meeting in Banff, Alberta in Canada to discuss their ideas on Ukraine and concerns about disruptions resulting from Donald Trump’s unorthodox trade policy.

Ukraine Minister of Finance, Sergii Marchenko, wears a Canadian and Ukrainian flag pin while speaking to the media prior to the G7 Finance Ministers meeting in Banff, Alberta. Photograph: Jeff McIntosh/AP

Before the meeting, German finance minister Lars Klingbeil warned that trade disputes with the US should be resolved as soon as possible, as he stressed they were a burden on the economy and job security.

Instead of this infighting, G7 should make it clear that it “will continue to stand firmly by Ukraine’s side” and oppose “the terrible destruction caused by Russian president Vladimir Putin’s war,” Klingbeil said.

Ukraine will be represented there, with the country’s finance minister Sergii Marchenko in attendance.

These comments come as Europe scramble to keep pressure on Russia with the latest round of sanctions.

Even the Vatican is getting involved with Pope Leo XVI confirming to Giorgia Meloni his willingness to host the next round of negotiations to try to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

I will bring you all key updates from across Europe throughout the day.

It’s Wednesday, 21 May 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.

Good morning.