Leaders of the Group of Seven countries are "on the verge of a good outcome" over how to financially support Ukraine and are more unified than ever on key global issues, including China's industrial overcapacity, a top U.S. official said Thursday.

Ahead of this year's G7 summit in southern Italy, the fourth and last U.S. President Joe Biden will attend in his first term, his national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters there has been "very good progress" on reaching a deal to use proceeds from frozen Russian sovereign assets to aid Ukraine's defense against Moscow's invasion.

"We see proceeds from these assets as being a valuable source of resources for Ukraine at a moment when Russia continues to brutalize the country, not just through military action on the front, but through the attempted destruction of its energy grid and its economic vitality," he said.

(From L) President of the European Union Charles Michel, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pose for a photo at the Group of Seven summit in Fasano, southern Italy, on June 13, 2024. (Kyodo)

The White House national security aide underscored that G7 leaders have adopted a united front in dealing with geopolitical crises and critical challenges related to the global economy.

He said the challenges include China's industrial overcapacity and welcomed the European Union's announcement Wednesday that it will impose additional tariffs of up to 38.1 percent on electric vehicles imported from the Asian powerhouse.

"This kind of alignment is what we're looking to build upon to create a level playing field for our workers," he said.


Related coverage:

PM Kishida to lead session on China, Indo-Pacific at Italy G7 summit

U.S. to impose new sanctions on Russia in step with G7 members

G7 to condemn deepening Russia-N. Korea military ties at Italy summit