G7 announces never to recognize Russia’s ‘redrawn’ border

On May 13, the foreign ministers of the G7 countries took a group photo in Germany with the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Moldova and Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Reuters

Agence France-Presse reported that the foreign ministers of the G7, which includes the seven most industrialized nations, vowed on May 14 that they would never recognize Russia’s attempt to change Ukraine’s borders.

“We will never acknowledge Russia’s attempt to change borders through military action, and we will continue to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and all other countries, including the Crimean peninsula,” the G7 foreign ministers said in a statement. The statement came after three days of discussions in northern Germany, which holds the G7 presidency.

The foreign ministers of Ukraine and Moldova, as well as the European Union’s (EU) High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, also attended the meeting.

In the joint statement, the two countries also pledged to expand sanctions to areas Russia relies on and continue to supply Ukraine with weapons to help it counter Russian military operations.

“We reaffirm our determination to further increase economic and political pressure on Russia and continue to take unified action,” the statement said.

Western countries have supplied Ukraine with weapons such as artillery, anti-aircraft missiles and anti-tank weapons. Borrell also said on May 13 that the European Union had pledged an additional 5 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine. However, Kyiv called on allies to further strengthen their support.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitro Kuleba said on May 13 that he had asked the G7 to confiscate Russian assets and hand them over to Ukraine.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Canada was a leader in implementing the measure, noting that Europe is bound by various laws and regulations.

“If we do, then this measure has to be done in accordance with our law,” Ms Baerbock added.

Ministers also warned China not to undermine sanctions on Moscow, given the growing global impact of the conflict in Ukraine. The G7 also criticized Belarus’ stance in the conflict.

“We call on Belarus to stop facilitating Russia’s actions and to comply with its international obligations,” the G7 statement said.