The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who met on Dec. 12, adopted a joint statement addressing “global challenges at a time of severe geopolitical crisis and critical moment for the world economy.”
“This year in the face of Russia’s illegal, unjustifiable and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, we stood more united than ever, together with Ukraine and in unwavering commitment to our shared values, the rules-based multilateral order and international cooperation,” the statement reads.
The G7 leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for and solidarity with Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” They condemned Russia’s “continuous inhumane and brutal attacks targeting critical infrastructure,” recalling that indiscriminate attacks and attacks on the civilian population or civilian objects constitute a war crime.
“We are determined to help Ukraine repair, restore and defend its critical energy and water infrastructure. We will help Ukraine in meeting its winter preparedness needs, will continue to support Ukraine’s civilian resilience, and will further enhance our efforts on this during the international conference to be held in Paris on Dec. 13. We are determined that Russia will ultimately need to pay for the restoration of critical infrastructure damaged or destroyed through its brutal war. There can be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities. We will hold President Putin and those responsible to account in accordance with international law,” the G7 stated.
The group will also continue to “galvanize international support to help address Ukraine’s urgent short-term financing needs” and will urge their finance ministers to convene shortly to discuss a joint approach for coordinated budget support of Ukraine in 2023.
Moreover, the statement announces an intention to establish a multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform together with Ukraine and our international partners and in close coordination with relevant international organizations and international financial institutions. The platform will be set up “with a view to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery and reconstruction” to coordinate existing mechanisms to provide ongoing short- and long-term support. Each of the G7 countries will designate a senior government representative to oversee the set-up of the platform and ongoing coordination efforts. These representatives are asked to convene as soon as possible in January 2023.
G7 committed to “continue to coordinate efforts to meet Ukraine’s urgent requirements for military and defense equipment with an immediate focus on providing Ukraine with air defense systems and capabilities.”
“Russia’s war of aggression must end. To date, we have not seen evidence that Russia is committed to sustainable peace efforts. Russia can end this war immediately by ceasing its attacks against Ukraine and completely and unconditionally withdrawing its forces from the territory of Ukraine,” the G7 leaders stated and added that they welcome and support President Zelensky’s initiative for a just peace.
The leaders said they remain committed to their “unprecedented coordinated sanctions measures in response to Russia’s war of aggression” and will maintain and intensify economic pressure on Russia and those who evade and undermine the restrictive measures. They also reaffirmed their intention to phase out Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products from their domestic markets.
