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The United States and its allies from the Group of Seven (G7) addressed various issues regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, warning that it will take measures to hold President Vladimir Putin accountable for his actions, following the escalation of attacks.
President Joe Biden, reported the White House, met with US allies and the President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelensky, to address the current situation in Ukraine.
“Our meeting took place in the context of the attacks with most recent missiles against civilian infrastructure and cities throughout Ukraine […]. We condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms and recall that indiscriminate attacks against innocent civilian populations constitute a war crime. We will hold President Putin and those responsible accountable.”
The leaders also rejected the formal annexation that Putin made of the Ukrainian regions from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson.
“We solemnly reiterate that we will never recognize this illegal annexation or the false referendums used by Russia to justify it”, they limited on the basis that Russia violated “flagrantly ” the principles of the UN Charter.
“ We call on all countries to unequivocally reject these violations of international law and we demand that Russia cease all hostilities and withdraw immediately”, they expressed in a joint message.
They agreed to continue providing economic support to Ukraine, in addition to rejecting the increase in Russian forces announced by Putin and the possible use of chemical or nuclear weapons.
“We reaffirm that any use of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons by Russia would have serious consequences”, they pointed out without specifying those consequences.
The G7 also spoke about the danger at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant , considering that it was an “irresponsible escalation” by the Russians.
They criticized Belarus for supporting Russia in its military actions.
“The announcement of a joint military group with Russia is an example most recent of the complicity of the Belarusian regime with Russia”, they pointed out.
They will keep help
The G7 promised Zelensky more financial, humanitarian, military, diplomatic and legal aid.
“We will remain firm with Ukraine for as long as necessary,” they said. “We are committed to helping Ukraine meet its winterization needs.”
They also expressed concern about the damage to Nordstream pipelines in the Baltic Sea , which qualified as “deliberate”.
They affirmed that there is a view to a “viable peace agreement”, without specifying the options on the table, especially since Zelensky has rejected proposals such as that of Mexico, although the G7 affirms that the pacification plan must include certain characteristics.
“It must include the following elements: respect the protection of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Charter of the United Nations; safeguard Ukraine’s ability to defend itself in the future; ensure Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, including exploring ways to do so with Russian funding; pursuing accountability for the Russian crimes committed during the war”, he limited himself.