G7 summit to issue separate statement on Ukraine, third countries targeted

The Yomiuri newspaper reported on May 18 that leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized nations are expected to adopt a separate statement on Ukraine at the summit in Hiroshima, Japan.

Báo Nhật Bản: Thượng đình G7 sẽ ra tuyên bố nhằm vào Nga, các nước thứ ba bị nhắm mục tiêu

The G7 summit will take place over three days from May 19-21 in Hiroshima (Japan), and is expected to focus heavily on the conflict in Ukraine. (Source: The Malaysian Reserve)

According to the draft joint statement that was revealed, the G7 will step up coordinated action to prevent third countries from supplying weapons to Russia, hinting at sanctions, emphasizing that the bloc will “continue to deal with third countries that support Russia's war”.

The G7 will also severely restrict Russia's economic ties, with specific measures such as preventing Moscow from purchasing from group members technologies, industrial equipment and other products that could be used for military purposes.

In addition, the group also seeks to plug loopholes in sanctions against Russia with measures aimed at reducing Russia's revenue sources, clearly demonstrating the G7's stance on supporting Ukraine.

According to the draft, the group's leaders will declare “remain united in imposing sanctions and other economic measures to further weaken Moscow's military capability.”

To reduce Russia's revenue, the draft joint statement calls for close cooperation among G7 members to restrict Moscow's diamond trade.

The draft states that the G7 will “continue efforts to force Moscow to pay for the long-term reconstruction process in Ukraine”, emphasizing that Russian assets will continue to be frozen until the country compensates for the damage caused in Ukraine.

Members of the group will also reaffirm their determination to gradually reduce energy dependence on Russia.

On May 19, the first day of the G7 summit, leaders will discuss the situation in Ukraine with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is expected to participate online.

A leaders' statement will be issued alongside the G7's own statement on the situation in Ukraine. The leaders' statement, which will be finalised based on the outcome of the discussions, is also expected to emphasise continued sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine.

In other related news, on the same day, May 18, US President Joe Biden arrived in Japan to attend the G7 Summit.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Mr. Biden has no plans to apologize for the US dropping an atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945.

According to Mr. Sullivan, President Biden, as one of the G7 leaders, will "respect history but also respect" Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.

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