G7 Leaders urge Russia to stop aggression, immediately withdraw troops from Ukraine

The relevant statement was issued by G7 Leaders and published on the website of the European Council, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“We urge Russia to stop its ongoing aggression and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops and military equipment from the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine. Russia started this war and can end this war. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine constitutes a violation of international law, in particular the UN Charter,” the document reads.

G7 Leaders reiterated their firm rejection of Russia’s illegal attempts to acquire Ukrainian territory by force. In their words, a just peace cannot be realized without the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops and military equipment, and this must be included in any call for peace.

“Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, undermining of arms control regimes, and stated intent to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus are dangerous and unacceptable. We recall the statement in Bali of all G20 leaders, including Russia. In this context, we reiterate our position that threats by Russia of nuclear weapon use, let alone any use of nuclear weapons by Russia, in the context of its aggression against Ukraine are inadmissible,” G7 Leaders stressed.

Additionally, G7 Leaders once again recalled the UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/ES-11/6 titled “Principles of the Charter of the United Nations underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”, adopted in February this year with the broad support of the international community. G7 Leaders vowed to continue to pursue concrete efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

“We remain committed to diplomacy and welcome and support the earnest efforts by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in setting out basic principles in his Peace Formula in line with the UN Charter,” G7 Leaders noted.

G7 Leaders also confirmed their readiness to reach arrangements together with Ukraine, as well as interested countries and institutions, on sustained security and other commitments to help Ukraine defend itself, secure its free and democratic future, and deter future Russian aggression.

“We are determined to help Ukraine build a positive future for its people. We welcome the key role that Ukraine plays in the European Political Community,” G7 Leaders emphasized.

A reminder that the 49th G7 Summit has started in Japan’s Hiroshima today and will last until May 21, 2023. According to the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, President Zelensky will take part in the G7 Summit online.