Paris, March 10, 2023 – In a joint statement released on the eve of International Women’s Day, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as the High Representative of the European Union, have reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine amidst Russia’s ongoing aggression in the region.
Two years since Russia’s illegal annexation of parts of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, the G7 Ministers remain firmly committed to upholding international law and respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The joint statement emphasizes that these actions constitute “serious violations of international law” and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
The G7 Ministers call on all members of the international community to join them in condemning Russia’s aggression, human rights abuses, and attacks on civilian, critical, and urban infrastructure. They urge Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to abide by the UN Charter and respect the basic principles that underpin the international order.
The G7 Ministers reaffirm their steadfast support for Ukraine’s legitimate defense against Russia’s full-scale invasion, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace rooted in the principles of the UN Charter. To this end, they pledge to maintain their political, military, financial, economic, and humanitarian support for Ukraine.
The statement also highlights the need for Russia to withdraw its forces immediately from all Ukrainian territory to its internationally recognized borders, withdraw its claims of annexation, and respect Ukraine’s sovereign rights as an independent nation. The G7 Ministers emphasize that this is a necessary condition for ending the war of aggression and restoring full respect for the rules-based international order.
In light of these demands, the G7 Ministers urge the international community to join forces in raising the costs of Russia’s illegal war. By doing so, they aim to create the conditions for a lasting peace that prioritizes the principles of justice, sovereignty, and human rights.
By standing firmly with Ukraine and condemning Russia’s aggression, the G7 Ministers demonstrate their commitment to upholding international law and promoting a safer, more secure world. Their message is clear: the international community will not tolerate violations of international law and will work tirelessly to support Ukraine in its pursuit of peace and stability.
In conclusion, the joint statement issued by the G7 Foreign Ministers serves as a powerful reminder of the need for collective action in response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory. The international community must continue to hold Russia accountable for its actions and work towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace that prioritizes the rights and dignity of all people.
Signatory countries:
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- European Union