G7 countries to make Russia pay for post-war reconstruction of Ukraine

That's according to the "G7 Leaders' Statement on Ukraine," the text of which has been published on the website of the European Council, Ukrinform reports.

"There must be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities, such as Russia’s attacks against civilians and critical civil infrastructure. We acknowledge the efforts made at the United for Justice international conference organized by the Government of Ukraine, and recall the Bucha Declaration that calls for accountability for the most serious crimes under international law committed on the territory of Ukraine," the document reads.

In this context, G7 leaders reiterated their commitment to holding those responsible to account consistent with international law, including by supporting the efforts of international mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC). They strongly condemned the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainians, including children, from the occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia, and will continue to follow the progress of the ICC investigation in this regard, with the utmost attention and call for the return of these children. They also deplored instances of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence against Ukrainians.

G7 leaders also said that they would continue their efforts to ensure that Russia pays for the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine. In this context, they welcomed the establishment, in the framework of the Council of Europe and to meet the request from the UN General Assembly, of a Registry of Damages Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation Against Ukraine.

"In line with the commitment made through the REPO Task Force, we will continue to take measures available within our domestic frameworks to find, restrain, freeze, seize, and, where appropriate, confiscate or forfeit the assets of those individuals and entities that have been sanctioned in connection with Russia’s aggression," the statement said.

The leaders of the G7 nations emphasized that "consistent with our respective legal systems, Russia's sovereign assets in our jurisdictions will remain immobilized until Russia pays for the damage it has caused to Ukraine."

The 48th G7 summit kicked off today in Japan and will last until May 21. Its participants are considering ways to ensure the resilience of the global economy, including the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and Russia's aggression against Ukraine.