By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL- On Friday, G7 leaders produced a joint statement regarding further sanctions and actions that they are taking against Russia since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. The leaders opened their statement as follows: “We the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) remain resolved to stand with the Ukrainian people and government who heroically resist Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military aggression and war of choice against their sovereign nation. This unprovoked and unjustified attack is causing enormous suffering and a tragic loss of life, including through the increasingly indiscriminate bombing and shelling of civilians in schools, homes, and hospitals”.
The G7 leaders went on to state that they are “determined” to hold Russian leader Vladimir Putin and his regime “accountable” for the “unjustified and unprovoked war” and that the entire world must tell Putin to “immediately stop” his aggression and assaults against Ukraine and withdraw all military forces. The leaders added: “We stand in solidarity with those who are bravely opposing the invasion of Ukraine.” All the G7 are urging Putin to create safe and “unhindered humanitarian access” to victims in Ukraine and “allow safe passage for civilians wishing to leave.” They added: “We call for, and commit to provide humanitarian, medical and financial support to refugees from Ukraine.”
G7 leaders concluded: “We stand united and in solidarity with our partners, including developing and emerging economies, which unjustly bear the cost and impact of this war, for which we hold President Putin, his regime and supporters, and the Lukashenko regime, fully responsible. Together, we will work to preserve the stability of energy markets as well as food security globally as Russia’s invasion threatens Ukraine’s capacity to grow crops this year.” They further stated that the G7 “continue to stand” with the Ukrainian people and the Government of Ukraine. They said they will be an ongoing evaluation of the impacts of their assistance including on third countries and G7 leaders said they are prepared to enact further sanctions to hold Putin and his regime accountable.
