“The Group of Seven (G7) in a joint statement following a meeting in Canada expressed support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and called on Russia to agree to a proposed ceasefire in the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine, threatening further sanctions if this does not happen.
The statement was endorsed by the foreign ministers of the G7 countries of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union high representative.
“G7 members reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in defence of its territorial integrity and right to exist, its freedom, sovereignty and independence. They welcomed the ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire, in particular the 11 March meeting between the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia. G7 members welcomed Ukraine’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire, which is an important step towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with the UN Charter,” the statement said.
“G7 members called on Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it in full. They discussed imposing further costs on Russia if such a ceasefire is not agreed, including further sanctions, oil price restrictions, and additional support for Ukraine and by other means,” the statement added.
They stressed that the ceasefire must be respected and said that robust security measures were needed to ensure that Ukraine could defend itself against any new acts of aggression.
The G7 members condemned the provision of military aid to Russia by North Korea and Iran, as well as the provision of weapons and dual-use components by China, and reiterated their intention to continue to take measures against such third countries.
Earlier today, Reuters, citing three unnamed officials, reported that G7 diplomats had agreed a joint statement following a meeting of foreign ministers in the tourist town of La Malbaie in the Canadian province of Quebec.
It came after weeks of tension between the US allies and President Donald Trump over his changing rhetoric on global trade, security and the Ukraine-Russia war.
The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven countries – Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan