In a joint statement released after an emergency meeting, G7 leaders said so on Tuesday they will demand that Vladimir Putin be “responsible” from the latest Russian bombing of Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, after discussing the situation in Ukraine with that country’s president, Volodimir Zelenski.
The statement, signed by the presidents of Canada, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy, came after a virtual emergency meeting of the seven countries following the Russian attacks on Monday, the most serious since the beginning of the February invasion.
“We condemn these attacks with the utmost firmness and remember the indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians I’m a war crime“the G7 said in a statement.
“We will hold President Putin and those responsible,” he added.
Zelenski called for an “air shield” to be created and reiterated that he will not negotiate with Putin
One of the keynote speakers at the emergency meeting was Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky, who reported on the details of Russia’s attacks and urged G7 leaders to help him create an “air shield” for Ukraine.
“I ask you to strengthen the general effort to help financially in the creation of an air shield for Ukraine. Millions of people will be grateful to the G7 for such help, “Zelensky said at the emergency meeting, which was held virtually.
Zelensky thanked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US President Joe Biden for their efforts in providing such defense systems, but stressed that, according to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia has ordered 2,400 “Shahid” kamikaze drones from Iranfor which he requested the supply of additional ammunition.
The president also warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin still has the means to escalate his offensive, and He reiterated that it is impossible to negotiate with Moscow as long as the president remains in his post. Zelensky too strengthen sanctions against Moscow and increase military aid to Ukraine.
“The talks can be with another president of Russia, who recognizes the UN Charter, the fundamental principles of humanity and the territorial integrity of Ukraine, or in a different format, so that the terrorist has no chance. to influence key decisions through terror, “he stressed.
“Now there is a person who blocks the peace and that person is in Moscow,” he added.
“At the level of the Group of Seven and the entire democratic world, we must respond symmetrically: if Russia attacks the energy system and energy stability of our countries, we must block its energy sector with sanctions“, he has declared.
Zelensky also accused Moscow of wanting to drag Belarus into war and proposed that G7 leaders send an international observer mission to the Ukraine-Belarus border.
Source: AFP
ap
Source: Clarin
