The United States has rejected a proposal from G7 countries to create a task force aimed at tackling Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers.
Rejecting the Task Force on Russian Tankers
This decision comes as the Trump administration reassesses its stance on global alliances and international commitments. The rejection was made during discussions ahead of a G7 summit in Charlevoix, Québec, where foreign ministers from leading economies are set to meet.
Canada, which currently holds the G7 presidency, proposed the task force to monitor Russian oil shipments that are circumventing Western sanctions. The term “shadow fleet” refers to older oil tankers operating in secret to transport Russian crude oil, avoiding restrictions placed after the Ukraine invasion in 2022.
In addition to blocking the task force, US officials have also pushed to remove the word “sanctions” from the draft G7 statement. Instead of highlighting Russia’s ability to “maintain its war” in Ukraine, the US has suggested using softer language, replacing it with “earn revenue.” This change significantly weakens the original intent of the statement, making it less critical of Moscow’s activities.
G7 communiqués are typically finalized through consensus, and discussions are still ongoing. However, the US stance has already created friction among its allies, who were expecting stronger measures against Russia. The situation mirrors another recent diplomatic disagreement when Western nations failed to issue a joint statement condemning Russia on the third anniversary of the Ukraine invasion.
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Shifting Focus to China in Maritime Issues
While pushing back against tough language on Russia, the US is simultaneously advocating for stronger wording against China. American diplomats have insisted on directly naming China in the G7 statement regarding maritime security. The proposed language highlights threats to “lives and livelihoods” caused by China’s actions, including its “unlawful maritime claims” and aggressive maneuvers in the South China Sea.
This approach aligns with Washington’s broader shift toward countering Beijing’s influence in international waters. The draft statement also includes references to aerial activities and the economic impact of China’s maritime policies.
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The focus on China marks a significant policy shift, particularly as previous G7 statements have often used more neutral language when discussing maritime disputes. This change is seen as an effort by the US to rally its allies against Beijing, even as it steps back from leading efforts against Moscow.
Diplomatic tensions have grown as a result of these conflicting priorities. Some G7 members had anticipated a balanced approach addressing both Russian and Chinese activities. However, Washington’s insistence on prioritizing China while softening its stance on Russia has caused frustration among allies.
Impact on Global Alliances and Security
Beyond maritime issues, the US is also resisting references to broader international security concerns. American officials have pushed back against including language on maritime sustainability, as well as proposals to establish a global maritime observatory to track border changes. This move has raised concerns among nations dealing with maritime disputes, particularly in regions like the South China Sea.
The Trump administration has informed allies that these decisions are part of a wider reassessment of US participation in international organizations. As a result, Washington has indicated that it will not join any new multilateral initiatives, including those proposed by its closest allies.
The rejection of Canada’s task force proposal is being viewed as part of this broader trend, where the US is choosing to step back from enforcing sanctions while prioritizing other geopolitical concerns. The shift in focus has led European leaders to consider alternative security arrangements, with discussions in Brussels focusing on increasing defense spending in case US support for NATO declines.
A separate draft of the G7 communiqué reflects another major change—removing mentions of Russian aggression. Instead, the document now welcomes “all efforts” to agree to a ceasefire, signaling a softer stance toward Moscow. This marks a departure from previous G7 statements that directly condemned Russian military actions.
These developments highlight growing divisions between the US and its allies, with Canada and European nations pushing for stronger measures against Russia, while Washington recalibrates its foreign policy. As the G7 summit approaches, negotiations remain tense, and the final wording of the statement will indicate the direction of future international cooperation.
