The foreign ministers of the G7 nations declared their determination to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities in response to repeated Russian airstrikes causing devastation to power infrastructure and loss of lives. The G7, comprising Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Britain, the United States, and representatives from the European Union, has strongly criticized Russia's prolonged invasion of Ukraine. Despite Russia's claims of targeting only military infrastructure, civilian casualties continue to mount.
In a joint statement, the G7 ministers pledged to bolster Ukraine's air defense systems to safeguard lives and protect critical infrastructure. They affirmed their commitment to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine encompassing military, financial, political, humanitarian, economic, and developmental assistance. The declaration follows a three-day meeting held on the Italian island of Capri, where discussions on Ukraine and other global conflicts, including clashes between Israel and Iran, took center stage.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, present at the meeting, confirmed that the G7 had outlined specific measures to reinforce Ukraine's air defense capabilities, without divulging further details. Germany has already committed to transferring a Patriot missile battery to Ukraine.
Following the summit, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the urgent need for increased resources for Ukraine. He warned China of potential repercussions on its relations with Europe if it continues to support Russia's defense industry, which is crucial for Moscow's military capabilities.
However, the flow of military aid to Kyiv has faced obstacles, with European partners facing ammunition shortages and U.S. funding stalled by Republican opposition in Congress. Nonetheless, there are prospects for a $60.8 billion aid package for Ukraine to be voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives.
Another critical issue under consideration is the utilization of approximately $300 billion in frozen Russian assets held in the West to assist Ukraine. While concerns regarding the legality of such actions persist among EU member states, the G7 foreign ministers affirmed their commitment to exploring viable options for leveraging these assets.
Regarding the Middle East, the G7 ministers emphasized their objective of de-escalation, particularly in the context of recent tensions between Israel and Iran. They reiterated their dedication to actively engage in securing peace and stability in the region.
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