G7 countries will stand by Ukraine as long as it is needed, - statement of heads of foreign affairs
The countries of the "Great Seven" promise to continue to support Ukraine, strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation and, if necessary, against Belarus, as well as work to bring Russian criminals to justice.
This is stated in the statement of the ministers of foreign affairs of the G7 - Great Britain, Italy, Canada, Germany, the USA, France, and Japan, as well as the high representative of the European Union based on the results of their 12th meeting this year, Censor.NET reports with reference to Ukrinform.
The Russian Federation is trying to terrorize the civilian population with mass and groundless attacks on the critically important infrastructure of Ukraine, in particular on the energy, heat and water supply systems, using missiles and Iranian drones.
"Members of the G7 recalled that indiscriminate attacks and attacks on civilians or civilian objects are war crimes," said a statement posted on the website of the German Foreign Ministry, which chaired the group in 2022.
Diplomats emphasized the intensification of efforts to support the Ukrainian people this winter, in particular, after the international conference held in Paris on December 13. Having decided to support the reconstruction and economic recovery of Ukraine, the G7 members recalled the importance of coordinating international support and welcomed the recent agreement of G7 leaders to create a platform for donor coordination.
"The members of the G7 pledged to intensify and closely coordinate their efforts to meet Ukraine's urgent needs for military equipment and defense equipment, in particular, in the field of air defense. They emphasized that this is necessary to save lives and prevent further suffering of civilians," it says. in the application.
The G7 members also reaffirmed their determination to continue to coordinate financial, material, humanitarian, defense, political, technical, and legal support to help Ukraine protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to unprecedented coordinated sanctions in response to Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine. G7 members will continue to apply economic pressure on Russia and those who circumvent or undermine restrictive measures. They will also encourage third countries to join the efforts of the Group of Seven, including the reduction of Russia's revenues from oil exports by using the price cap per barrel of "marine crude oil" of Russian origin, which is promoted by the Price Cap Coalition.
G7 members reiterated that Russia's use of energy and food as weapons has a particular impact on the world's most vulnerable communities, and Russia's spread of disinformation and false accusations, Russia's irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, as well as Russia's occupation and militarization of the Zaporizhia NPP are unacceptable. The G7 members confirmed their full support for the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding the creation of a safe zone at the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
The statement also contains a warning to Minsk: "Any further active participation in Russia's illegal war of aggression would be contrary to the will and aspirations of the Belarusian people. If the Belarusian authorities involve Belarus more directly in Russia's war, the G7 will impose devastating additional sanctions on the regime."
The signatories once again called on the Belarusian authorities to stop encouraging Russia's war of aggression by providing support to the Russian military and allowing Russian armed forces to use its territory.
G7 members highly appreciated the courage of the Ukrainian people in their struggle for their country. The G7 strongly supports efforts to ensure Ukraine's immediate financial stability and to facilitate its reconstruction and recovery towards a prosperous, sustainable future, and encourages Ukraine on its reform agenda. They remained committed to Ukraine's full support to ensure its free and democratic European future.
The ministers again condemned the illegal, unjustified, and unprovoked Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and declared their full solidarity and unwavering support for Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary. They confirmed their unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
Foreign Ministers reiterated their strong condemnation of Russia's attempt to illegally annex Ukrainian territory, which will never be recognized. They also condemned the atrocities committed by Russian troops. The G7 members stressed that war crimes should not go unpunished and stressed the need to bring Putin and other perpetrators of aggression to justice under international law.
G7 members welcomed and supported President Zelensky's efforts to promote a just and lasting peace. Russia can end this war immediately by ceasing attacks on Ukraine, completely and unconditionally withdrawing its troops and equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. G7 members again called on Russia to do this "urgently".
