G-7 renews support for Ukraine, condemns Russian ‘escalation’
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The G-7 meeting in Italy was attended by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (centre, left).
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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FIUGGI, Italy - Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G-7) democracies on Nov 26 expressed their support for Ukraine and condemned what they described as Russia’s “irresponsible and threatening nuclear rhetoric”.
They also warned that North Korean support for Russia
“Russia’s use of an intermediate range ballistic missile on Nov 21 is further evidence of its reckless and escalatory behaviour,” they said in a draft statement at the conclusion of their meeting.
“Our support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence will remain unwavering,” they added.
Russia has been making a major push along front lines in Ukraine’s east, where Russian forces have made some of their biggest territorial gains since 2022.
The G-7 ministers added that they hoped to start distributing funds from a US$50 billion (S$67 billion) loan package
They also pledged to act against groups helping Russia to evade sanctions imposed on it after its invasion of Ukraine almost three years ago.
Their joint statement was issued at the end of a two-day meeting in Fiuggi, a spa town south-east of Rome, which Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha attended.
Ministers also tried to raise the pressure on Israel to accept a ceasefire deal
They called on the Israeli government to facilitate humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
“We express our strongest condemnation for the rise in extremist settler violence committed against Palestinians, which undermines security and stability in the West Bank and threatens prospects for a lasting peace,” the statement added.
The statement also reinforced a call from the G-7 in June for China to refrain from trade practices that distorted markets. REUTERS
