Biden: "Will Send More Artillery to Ukraine"... G7 Holds Virtual Meeting

Discussion on Ukraine Weapon and Humanitarian Support Measures
Deliberating Countermeasures Against Russia's Donbas Major Offensive Launch

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As Russia launched a large-scale offensive in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden and leaders of major Western countries held an emergency video conference to discuss arms and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and additional sanctions against Russia.

On the 19th (local time), President Biden held an emergency video conference with leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, to discuss support for Ukraine.

Along with the G7 leaders, Charles Michel, President of the European Council, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also participated. The emergency video conference was convened as Russia announced the launch of a new operation in the Donbas region, aiming to devise countermeasures.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated at a press briefing that "During today's meeting, the leaders pledged to continue providing security, economic, and humanitarian support to Ukraine," adding, "They also reaffirmed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and condemned Russia for causing humanitarian suffering, discussing Western efforts to impose severe economic costs on Russia to hold it accountable."

Later, during a visit to New Hampshire, President Biden responded "Yes" when asked by reporters if more artillery would be sent to Ukraine. The U.S. government is reportedly planning additional arms support following the previous $800 million (approximately 991.6 billion KRW) weapons aid sent to Ukraine.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also stated at a press conference after the emergency video conference, "Weapons support for Ukraine must be provided without delay, and the weapons must be usable without delay, and other G7 countries have reached the same conclusion as us." He added, "I asked the German defense industry what weapons can be supplied in the near future, and Ukraine selected the necessary weapons from the available list. We will provide the required funding."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also explained at a press conference after the video conference, "We will support the most recently requested howitzers from Ukraine," and "We will disclose detailed information within the next few weeks."