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.
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| 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 of the 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 supporting 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 would declare that they “remain united in imposing sanctions and other economic measures to further weaken Moscow's military capabilities.”
To reduce Russia's revenue, the draft joint statement calls for close cooperation among G7 members to curb Moscow's diamond trade.
The draft states that the G7 will “continue efforts to force Moscow to pay for the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine,” emphasizing that Russian assets will continue to be frozen until the country compensates for the damage caused in Ukraine.
The group's members will also reaffirm their determination to gradually reduce their dependence on Russian energy.
On May 19, the first day of the G7 summit, the 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 finalized based on the outcome of the discussions, is also expected to emphasize 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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