HIROSHIMA: Leaders of G7 nations have “reaffirmed their commitment to stand together against Russia’s illegal inexcusable, and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine”.
In a statement released on the first day of the summit under way at Hiroshima, the G7 leaders agreed on imposing more sanctions on Moscow:
“We are renewing our commitment to provide the financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support Ukraine requires for as long as it takes.”
“We are imposing further sanctions and measures to increase the costs to Russia and those who are supporting its war effort. We are also building on the success of our efforts to ensure that Russia can no longer weaponise the availability of energy against the world.”
The statement further said that “Russian troops’ complete and unconditional withdrawal” was required for peace.
Zelenskiy will attend G7 summit
Meanwhile, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky would attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit on Sunday as leaders of the world’s top economies gather in Hiroshima for the crucial huddle likely to focus on Russia and China.
Ukrainian security officials confirmed that Zelensky will use the opportunity to pressure Russia against the backdrop of its ongoing onslaught on Ukraine.
According to the officials, Zelenskiy will attend the summit on Sunday, the third and final day of the huddle already being attended by, among others, Britain, France and the United States leaders including Joe Biden.
Earlier on Friday, leaders of G7 gathered at the city’s Peace Park memorial in Hiroshima to pay their respect to those who died after the US targeted the city with a nuclear bomb during the end of World War II.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida along with his wife welcomed the G7 leaders at the memorial
While the G7 leaders laid wreaths at Hiroshima’s cenotaph, disarmament talks at the summit seemed light on substance.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council secretary Oleksiy Danilov said in Kyiv that very crucial things will be decided at the summit and it was, therefore, the presence of their president was absolutely essential to defend Ukraine’s interests.
The G7 leaders were already expected to announce new sanctions against Moscow and closer teamwork in countering China, the key ally of Russia.
Hiroshima along with Nagasaki was annihilated by a US nuclear attack in 1945 that culminated in World War Two.
During the summit, the leaders were expected to announce constricted sanctions on Russia and debate strategy on the over-year-long war that shows no signs of easing.
Having emerged as the world’s wealthiest countries in the post-World War II-era, the G7 nations have increasingly been challenged by the rising China and erratic Russia.
At the summit, Britain would announce a ban on Russian diamonds and imports of metals including aluminium, copper and nickel in support of Ukraine.
Britain would also target an additional 86 individuals and frims from Putin’s militaryindustrial complex, in addition to those involved in the energy, metals and shipping industries.
European Council President Charles Michel said that Europe would also restrict sales of Russian diamonds.
