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They also recommit to “support Ukraine for as long as necessary and provide sustained support”
18 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –
The G7 foreign ministers have promised on Tuesday to intensify sanctions against Russia, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022 by order of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We remain committed to intensifying sanctions against Russia and coordination, as well as countering attempts by Russia and third parties to circumvent and undermine our sanctioning measures,” reads a joint statement, in which they have condemned “once again” in the “strongest possible terms” the war.
Thus, the foreign ministers have reiterated their appeal “to third parties to stop providing assistance to Russia’s war”, threatening “serious costs”, while announcing that they will strengthen their “coordination to prevent and respond” to those who materially support the war in Russia.
“We are determined, consistent with our respective legal systems, that Russia’s sovereign assets in our jurisdictions remain immobilized pending a resolution to the conflict that addresses Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” , they have maintained.
“Any resolution of the conflict must guarantee that Russia pays for the damage it has caused,” they remarked, adding that “there can be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities such as Russia’s attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.”
They have also condemned the “illegal transfer and deportation of Ukrainians, including children, and conflict-related sexual violence against Ukrainians,” as well as “Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and its threat to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus,” ads that qualify as “unacceptable”.
“Any use of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons by Russia would have serious consequences,” they asserted, recalling the importance of the 77-year record of non-use of nuclear weapons since 1945.
On the other hand, they have denounced Russia’s “militarization of food and energy resources” as it “has aggravated economic vulnerabilities, exacerbated already dire humanitarian crises, and intensified global food and energy insecurity.”
SUPPORT TO UKRAINE
The G7 representatives have stressed that Moscow “must withdraw all its forces and equipment from Ukraine immediately and unconditionally.”
“We recommit today to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary and to providing sustained security, economic, and institutional support to help Ukraine defend itself, ensure its free and democratic future, and deter future Russian aggression.” they have manifested
In turn, after showing their support for the Ukrainian president, Volodimir Zelenski, to promote a comprehensive and lasting peace, they have indicated that Kiev should continue “its efforts to fight corruption and internal reform.”
