In the joint statement of the leaders of the G7, it was stated that diplomatic, financial and military support to Ukraine will be intensified in its war with Russia, and included the expression “We salute the heroism of the Ukrainian people in their brave resistance.”
Emphasizing that Russia is the one who started and will end the war, the Moscow administration was accused of destroying hospitals, schools and infrastructure in Ukraine and ruining historical cities.
“We call on Russia to cease its aggression and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops from internationally recognized Ukrainian territory,” the statement said.
Emphasizing that Russia’s use of any chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons would have serious consequences, the statement said that it deeply regrets Russia’s decision to suspend the implementation of the new START agreement.
In the statement, it was noted that a solution would be achieved with the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from the plant, while addressing concerns about Russia’s continued control over the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant.
support to Ukraine
The statement reiterated its commitment to coordinated efforts to meet Ukraine’s urgent military and defense equipment needs, with a focus on air defense systems and capabilities, as well as the necessary ammunition and tanks.
Underlining that support for the maintenance of Ukraine’s economic and financial stability will continue, it was reported that the finance ministers and central bank governors of the G7 countries increased their budget and economic support commitment for 2023 to 39 billion dollars in line with the needs of the Ukrainian government.
The statement asked the finance ministers to maintain communication with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Ukraine to present a program by the end of March, and to continue working with the IMF to provide the necessary budget for Ukraine in 2023 and beyond.
The statement also announced that a conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine will be held in London, the capital of England, in June.
In the statement, it was noted that the Kiev government’s efforts to develop the necessary institutional structure in line with Ukraine’s “European road” will be supported, and in this context, the importance of judicial reform, strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption was emphasized.
Emphasis on determination to increase sanctions on Russia
G7 leaders said they were determined to impose new economic sanctions, increasing unprecedented and coordinated sanctions against Russia.
Accordingly, the “Implementation Coordination Mechanism” will be established and the implementation of sanctions will be supervised, and some measures, including transportation and service bans, will be implemented against third countries that provide financial support to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Further measures will be taken to prevent Russia’s access to technology and inputs that it can use to build war machines.
In addition, steps will be taken to maintain the export ban and the ceiling price system applied to Russian oil in order to reduce the energy revenues and future mining revenues that Russia will use to finance its “illegal attack”.
Measures will be taken to reduce Russia’s revenue from diamond exports, as well as additional measures will be implemented against Russian financial institutions.
Efforts will also continue to be made so that Russia can cover Ukraine’s long-term restructuring costs.
In the statement, it was stated that Russia “takes full responsibility for the damage caused by the war, including to Ukraine’s critical infrastructure,” and said, “We collectively reaffirm the need for an international mechanism to record the damage done by Russia.”
Stating the determination to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin and those responsible to account in accordance with international law, it was stated that the investigations carried out by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and other national prosecutors who can establish jurisdiction according to national law are supported.
The importance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative was emphasized
Expressing regret that many countries were affected by the repercussions of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the statement reiterated the common will to continue providing rapid aid to countries in need and populations affected by the grain crisis.
In the statement, the need for the automatic extension of the Grain Corridor on 18 March was underlined, emphasizing the importance of the Black Sea Grain Corridor, the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Road, and the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s Grain Initiative from Ukraine, provided through the UN and Turkey.
Pledge to continue support in tackling the consequences of earthquakes in Turkey
On the other hand, in the statement, while expressing deep sadness to those affected by the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, it was stated that they are in solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria and that support will continue in the fight against the consequences of this disaster.
Expressing that it is vital to reach all those in need of humanitarian assistance as efficiently as possible, the statement welcomed the expansion of cross-border assistance for an initial period of 3 months and emphasized the importance of continuing to meet humanitarian needs in northwest Syria.
The joint statement of the G7 leaders also welcomed the European Union’s (EU) initiative to host the donors’ conference in March to support earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.