 "G7 calls for 'immediate ceasefire' in Ukraine war, pledges tougher measures against Russia")
Foreign Ministers from the Group of Seven nations released a joint statement calling for an "immediate ceasefire" in the Ukraine war. The group went on to pledge continued support for Kyiv’s sovereignty as Russia advances in the country’s east.
The joint statement was released after the G7 foreign ministers concluded their two-day meeting in Niagara, Canada. “We reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty, and independence,” the ministers said in a joint statement issued Wednesday.
The ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with the European Union’s high representative, met under Canada’s G7 presidency on November 11–12. They were joined by officials from Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Africa and Ukraine.
The statement reiterated that “an immediate ceasefire is urgently needed” and stressed that “the current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations.”
‘International borders must not be changed’: G7
In the joint statement, the diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to the principle that “international borders must not be changed by force.” The group said that it was “increasing the economic costs to Russia” and considering further action against countries and entities that are helping finance Moscow’s war.
The group also condemned military assistance to Russia from North Korea and Iran, and slammed the supply of “weapons and dual-use components by China,” calling Beijing a “decisive enabler of Russia’s war.” Apart from this, the G7 foreign ministers also discussed financial support for Ukraine, including “further leveraging immobilised Russian sovereign assets” to aid reconstruction.
In the joint statement, the ministers strongly condemned Russia’s “recent direct attacks on energy infrastructure” and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s energy security. The group said that it would continue to “defend international law” and “ensure accountability for atrocities committed in the context of Russia’s aggression.”
Quick Reads
View AllThe statement concluded by G7 reaffirming support for Ukraine’s “long-term prosperity, security and defence,” pledging that their jurisdictions will continue to coordinate assistance “in a united way to support Ukraine.”
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