G7 to resist Russia's attempts to weaponise energy - statement

The ministers said this in a joint statement published on the website of the European External Action Service, Ukrinform reports.

"We further condemn Russian attempts to weaponise its energy exports and use energy as a tool of geopolitical coercion. Russia is therefore not a reliable energy supplier. We will act in solidarity and close coordination to mitigate the impact of supply disruptions on economies and citizens globally and in our countries, especially in order to protect vulnerable groups. We are working to ensure Russia does not exploit its position as an energy producer to profit from its aggression at the expense of vulnerable countries," the statement said.

The G7 foreign ministers also stressed that they remain committed to energy and resource diversification and promote competitive, reliable, affordable energy markets that are transparent and adhere to high environmental, social, and governance standards.

"We continue to explore further measures to prevent Russia from profiting from its war of aggression [against Ukraine] and to curtail Russia's ability to wage war," the statement said.

The energy ministers of the EU member states last week reached a political agreement on a voluntary reduction of gas consumption in the coming winter against the background of gas blackmail by the Russian authorities.