Leaders of the Group of Seven have committed to phasing out their countries’ dependency on Russian energy as they announced fresh sanctions as part of an “unprecedented” package of coordinated sanctions to punish Russia over its invasion Ukraine.
After meeting virtually with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, the leaders also pledged to “elevate” a campaign against Russian elites who support President Vladimir Putin.
The latest show of support for Ukraine comes as Russia prepares to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II.
Putin is expected to preside on Monday over a parade in Moscow’s Red Square of troops, tanks, rockets and intercontinental ballistic missiles, making a speech that could offer clues on the future of the two-month old conflict.
In a statement, the G7 – which unites the world’s seven wealthiest nations, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – said Putin has brought “shame” on his country and the “historic sacrifices of its people” by invading Ukraine, 77 years after the end of World War II.
They also reassured Zelenskyy of their commitment to help Ukraine “secure its free and democratic future” and said they will continue to “impose severe and immediate economic costs” on Putin for his “unjustifiable war”.
Most significantly, the G7 said it will phase out dependency on Russian energy, including by phasing out or banning the import of Russian oil.
“We will ensure that we do so in a timely and orderly fashion, and in ways that provide time for the world to secure alternative supplies,” it said.-Al Jazeera
