G7 vows to “intensify” pressure on Russia amid war on Ukraine
The leaders of the Group of Seven advanced economies on Monday vowed to “intensify” economic pressure on Russia amid its war on Ukraine and seek to provide Kyiv with much-needed air defense systems, while noting they see no evidence of Moscow committing to peace efforts.
In a statement issued after an online meeting, the G7 members, which include the United States, Japan and the European Union, also said they are determined to help Ukraine repair and defend critical energy and water infrastructure harmed by Moscow’s attacks and aid the country in meeting its winter preparedness needs.
“Today, we reaffirm our unwavering support for and solidarity with Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian war of aggression for as long as it takes,” the statement said.
To meet Ukraine’s urgent need for military equipment in its self-defense effort, the statement said supplying air capabilities is “an immediate focus.”
The United States has been concerned about the growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran, asserting that Tehran is providing Moscow with drones for use on the battlefield, including attacks against civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
The G7 will also remain committed to its “unprecedented coordinated sanctions measures” in response to Russia’s war and will “maintain and intensify” economic pressure on Moscow as well as those who evade the punitive measures, according to the statement.
“We are determined that Russia will ultimately need to pay for the restoration of critical infrastructure damaged or destroyed through its brutal war,” it said.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida strongly condemned Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure as “unjustifiable,” according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
Looking ahead to next year’s G7 summit to be held under Japan’s presidency, the leaders said in their statement that they will remain united and committed to efforts toward a peaceful and prosperous future for all.
Kishida told his counterparts that the role of the G7 has become “stronger than ever before” and Japan, as the next chair, will seek the alignment of the group’s members to help Ukraine recover from the war.
The G-7 consists of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, plus the EU.
Since Russia’s invasion began in February, the G7 has rolled out a raft of sanctions to hold Moscow accountable for the war, including asset freezes and disconnecting it from a key international payment system.
Earlier this month, a price cap on seaborne Russian crude oil agreed by the G7 and Australia took effect in the latest effort to squeeze Moscow’s key source of revenue for its war. A price cap on Russian petroleum products will enter into force in early February.
Turning to the issue of combating climate change as outlined in the Paris Agreement, the G7 leaders announced in their statement the establishment of an international “Climate Club” and invited partners to join.
The club’s initial focus will be on “unlocking potential for the decarbonization” of industrial sectors, said a separate document posted on the website of Germany, which currently holds the G7 presidency.