G7 leaders condemn Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine, vow ‘severe’ sanctions

ANKARA (AA) – G7 Leaders on Thursday condemned Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine as “a violation of international law.”

“We are appalled by and condemn the large-scale military aggression by the Russian Federation against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, directed partly from Belarusian soil,” said a statement issued following a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting.

The statement described the recent move as an “unprovoked and completely unjustified attack on Ukraine,” saying it was preceded by “fabricated claims and unfounded allegations.”

The statement said Russia’s attack on Ukraine constitutes a “serious violation of international law and a grave breach of the UN Charter and all commitments Russia entered in the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris and its commitments in the Budapest Memorandum.”

G7 countries also said they will impose “severe and coordinated economic and financial sanctions,” on Russia.

The statement urged international community to condemn this attack, to show solidarity with Ukraine, and raise their voice against this “blatant violation of the fundamental principles of international peace and security.”

G7 leaders described the recent crisis as a “serious threat” to the international order, and said it will “bear ramifications well beyond Europe.”

“There is no justification for changing internationally recognized borders by force. This has fundamentally changed the Euro-Atlantic security situation,” said the statement.

“President (Vladimir) Putin has re-introduced war to the European continent. He has put himself on the wrong side of history,” it added.