The leaders of the G7 countries (the most industrialized in the world) this Friday threatened “serious consequences”, the countries that continue to help Russia evade sanctions imposed because of its invasion of Ukraine.
“We ask third countries and other international actors who try to circumvent or weaken our measures to end their material aid to the war waged by Russia, under penalty of dire consequences.”the G7 leaders declared in a communique approved at the end of a virtual meeting on the day of the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The group of the seven most industrialized countries in the world, consisting of Germany, Canada, the United States, France, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom, and with a representation of the European Union (EU), to which the President of the Ukrainian Republic , Volodymyr Zelensky, at that meeting, under the Japanese presidency, also reiterated their “unwavering support” for Ukraine and warned Moscow against a possible resort to nuclear weapons.
“To deter this kind of activity worldwide, we will take action against third country actors who provide material support to the war in Ukraine unleashed by Russia”, they added. The members of the G7 assured that they were silent “committed to preventing Russia from finding new ways to obtain advanced military and industrial materials, technologies and equipment”also from Western countries.
The G7 did not name a specific country in its statement, although Russia has used Iranian “drones” (unmanned aerial vehicles) in Ukraine and Washington recently warned that Beijing is considering supporting Moscow’s war effort. China denied such claims and made a 12-point proposal on the conflict.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had indicated to the press prior to the meeting that the G7 intended to issue a dire warning in this regard. The group of seven richest countries in the world also approved the imposition of new sanctions against Moscow. The Japanese prime minister did not say if or when he will travel to Kiev. Kishida is the only G7 leader who has not been to the Ukrainian capital since the outbreak of war exactly one year ago, citing obstacles such as security and secrecy.
The Ukrainian president attended the virtual summit on Friday and was invited to participate in the May G7 meeting in Hiroshima. “As for the selection of countries and organizations to invite to the G7 summit in Hiroshima in May, we as chairpersons of the group will make such a decision after consultation with the countries concerned”Kishida added.
Japan this week announced new financial aid to Ukraine of USD 5.5 billion (approximately EUR 5.2 billion), after providing aid of USD 600 million (approximately EUR 568 million). Tokyo, which joined the Western powers in imposing sanctions on Moscow, also sent defensive materials and offered to take in Ukrainian refugees. However, it provided no military assistance, as Japan’s post-war constitution limits its defense decisions.
In their statement, G7 leaders also warned Russia against “any use of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons” that would have “serious consequences” and said they “deeply regret” Russia’s decision to end its participation in suspend the New Start disarmament. treaty, signed with the United States and in force since 2011.
The military offensive launched by Russia in Ukraine on February 24, 2022 has so far led to the flight of more than 14 million people – 6.5 million internally displaced persons and more than eight million to European countries – according to the most recent data from the UN. which classifies this refugee crisis as the worst in Europe since World War II (1939-1945). At the moment, at least 18 million Ukrainians need humanitarian aid and 9.3 million people need food aid and shelter.
The Russian invasion – justified by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, with the need to “denazify” and demilitarize Ukraine for Russian security – was condemned by the international community at large, which responded by sending arms to Ukraine and impose political and economic sanctions on Russia.
The UN presented 8,006 civilian casualties and 13,287 wounded as confirmed since the start of the war, exactly one year ago, underlining that these numbers are far below the real ones.
Source: DN
