G7 Foreign Ministers assure Ukraine of military assistance for as long as necessary

24.06.2022 17:22

Ukrinform

The Russian armed aggression against Ukraine and Russia’s role in aggravating the global food crisis have been discussed at a meeting of the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union in Berlin.

The relevant statement was made by the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany, which had taken over the G7 Presidency since January 1, 2022, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“G7 Foreign Ministers again underscored their unwavering support for Ukraine, including military and defense assistance, for as long as necessary,” the report states.

They pledged humanitarian assistance, support for reconstruction and stabilization for Ukraine, as well as to enhance the resilience of neighboring countries, especially the Republic of Moldova, which is particularly affected by the influx of Ukrainian refugees.

Furthermore, G7 Foreign Ministers welcomed the European Council’s decision to grant Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status and to grant Georgia “EU perspective” status.

G7 Foreign Ministers made clear that Russia’s war against Ukraine is exacerbating food insecurity, including by blocking the Black Sea, bombing grain silos and ports, and damaging Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure.

“Ministers rejected Russia’s false narrative and disinformation on sanctions. All G7 sanctions include exemptions to allow Russian food and agricultural products to get to global markets,” the statement reads.

G7 Foreign Ministers called on Moscow to cease its attacks and threatening actions and un-block the Ukrainian Black Sea ports for food exports.

In addition, they expressed support for the United Nations’ efforts to urgently reopen a Black Sea route for grain and the European Commission’s Action Plan for EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes to transport grain by road, rail and barge to world markets.

G7 Foreign Ministers also had an exchange on the state of play of preparations for the G7 Summit in Elmau on June 26-28, 2022, with a focus on the foreign and security-related priorities for G7 Leaders.