Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) leading democracies on Friday urged Russia to agree to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict or risk further sanctions.
"We urge Russia to respond by agreeing to a ceasefire on similar terms and implementing it fully," the foreign ministers said in a statement from Canada. "We are also considering additional measures against Russia if a ceasefire is not agreed, including further sanctions, oil price caps, increased support for Ukraine, and other options."
The statement said the G7 countries affirmed their "unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, as well as its freedom, sovereignty and independence."
The remarks came as the Kremlin said there was still much work to be done in the Ukraine ceasefire deal, indicating its unwillingness to fully support the American proposal.
The White House said that US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (13/3).
On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that U.S. officials would meet later this week after Witkoff returns to Washington to take a closer look at Russia's position and determine next steps.
"Suffice it to say, I think there is reason for cautious optimism. But at the same time, we remain aware that this is a difficult and complex situation," Rubio told reporters after his meeting with his colleagues.
On Friday, Canadian Foreign Minister Malie Joly said, "All G7 foreign ministers support the American ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed to," and the focus is now on waiting for Russia's response.
He added, "The ball is now in Russia's court when it comes to Ukraine."
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed a similar view in a media interview, asserting, "There is a common understanding that now is the right time for an unconditional ceasefire. Ukraine has made its position clear, and it is time for Russia to accept it."
"Lammy also noted that a 'coalition of the willing' is being formed to provide Ukraine with the 'security structures' and monitoring mechanisms needed to support the ceasefire."
The G7 joint statement came as the Kremlin said much remained to be done in the Ukraine ceasefire deal, indicating its unwillingness to fully support the US proposal.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin was still waiting for an answer after asking several questions about the implementation of the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Putin's response as an attempt to "deliberately" set conditions that would complicate and "slow down the process."
"A temporary unconditional ceasefire for 30 days is an important first step to bring us closer to a just and lasting peace," Zelenskyy wrote Wednesday in a post on the social media platform X.
Foreign ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States gathered in Charlevoix, Quebec, for the G7 talks.
China
In addition to Ukraine, the G7 foreign ministers also discussed China's role in global security, the stability of the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions, and maritime security behind closed doors.
On Friday, G7 foreign ministers held a special session to discuss the strategic challenges posed by China, North Korea, Iran and Russia. The growing anti-Western collaboration among the four countries is often referred to by foreign policy analysts and military officials as the “Axis of Turmoil.”
The G7 joint statement said the group remained “concerned about China’s military buildup and the rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal.” They urged China “to engage in discussions on reducing strategic risks and promoting stability through transparency.”
The foreign ministers also reiterated their serious concerns over the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, strongly opposing any unilateral attempt to change the status quo, especially through force or coercion.
G7 members also reiterated the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and reiterated their rejection of any unilateral attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion.
Secretary of State Rubio told VOA in a news conference Friday that he is confident the U.S. and Chinese leaders will meet in due course.
"Whether they agree or not, they have to communicate for the safety and prosperity of the world," Rubio said after concluding a meeting with G7 foreign ministers.
A ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war has the potential to impact America's presence in the Indo-Pacific, as officials and analysts say ending the conflict would allow Washington to redirect resources to address challenges in the region.
"I don't see a prolonged, ongoing conflict in Europe or Ukraine as a good thing for the Indo-Pacific region. It takes a lot of global attention, time and resources away from areas that remain a threat," Rubio told VOA earlier this week during a briefing aboard a military aircraft.
"In many ways, we could pay more attention to the Indo-Pacific if peace could be achieved in Europe," he said.
Post a Comment for "G7 Urges Russia to Accept Ceasefire, Threatens New Sanctions"