G7 "We Do Not Recognize the Borders Russia Wants to Change Through War"

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) have declared that they will not recognize the borders altered by Russia through the Ukraine war. They also urged China, which is known to be indirectly supporting Russia despite international sanctions, to stop aiding Russia.

The G7 foreign ministers made this statement on the 14th after a three-day meeting at Weissenhaus in Hamburg, northern Germany, according to major news agencies.

They stated, "We will not recognize the borders that Russia is trying to change through its invasion of Ukraine," and "We support Ukraine's territorial sovereignty, including the Crimean Peninsula."

The announcement by the G7 foreign ministers comes amid Russia's moves to annex Ukrainian-occupied territories such as Donbas (Donetsk and Luhansk regions), Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, drawing significant attention.

Additionally, the G7 foreign ministers agreed to strengthen the economic and political isolation of Russia, which initiated the Ukraine war. In their statement, they emphasized, "We are united as one to increase pressure on Russia."

To this end, they announced additional sanctions targeting sectors highly dependent on foreign relations. This includes further sanctions on elite groups, central government agencies, and the military involved in supporting President Vladimir Putin's war efforts.

They also decided to phase out imports of Russian coal and oil and accelerate efforts to end dependence on Russian energy as soon as possible. Furthermore, they resolved to expand arms support to Ukraine, which is waging an all-out war against Russia.

A warning message was also sent to countries directly or indirectly supporting Russia. Targeting China, which aids Russia, the G7 foreign ministers urged, "Support Ukraine's sovereignty and independence," and "Do not assist Russia, which is conducting a provocative war." Regarding Belarus, a key ally of Russia, they raised their voices, saying, "Do not enable Russia's aggression and comply with international obligations."

The G7 includes the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and the United States. In addition to the existing members, foreign ministers from Ukraine, a war-affected country, and Moldova, which is within the war's sphere of influence, were also invited to this meeting.