US President Joe Biden is leaving the Group of Seven summit in Germany earlier than expected due to bad weather. Mr Biden was due to deliver a speech at Tuesday’s (June 28) closing session of the gathering of leaders from developed economies before flying by helicopter to Munich. From there he would fly via Air Force One to Madrid for the NATO summit.

But the White House announced that with foggy conditions, low cloud and a risk of thunderstorms near the summit site, Mr Biden is expected to travel in a motorcade part of the way to Munich.

Before his early departure, Mr Biden met with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and summit host Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

After arriving in Madrid, the US president is due to meet separately with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI and attend the NATO summit opening dinner.

The developed economies of the Group of Seven conclude a summit that aims to demonstrate a long-term commitment to Ukraine’s future as its war with Russia continues.

The talks in Germany, which end on June 28, want to ensure that Russia will pay a high price for its invasion. The goal is also to alleviate a world hunger crisis and show unity against climate change.

The leaders of the United States, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan pledged Monday to support Ukraine “for as long as it takes”. Later Tuesday, attention turns to Spain, where a two-day NATO summit is being held in Madrid.

Leaders of the world’s most powerful military alliance opened talks on Wednesday on increasing support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia and building up forces on NATO’s eastern flank. They also intend to set priorities for the next decade, with a focus on checking China’s growing international ambitions.