G7 remain committed to intensifying sanctions against Russia, supporting Ukraine

“There can be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities such as Russia's attacks against civilians and critical civilian infrastructure,” reads the G7 foreign ministers’ communiqué adopted in Karuizawa, Nagano, on April 18, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

As noted, the foreign ministers recommit to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes and to providing sustained security, economic, and institutional support to help Ukraine defend itself, secure its free and democratic future, and deter future Russian aggression.

“We remain committed to intensifying sanctions against Russia, coordinating and fully enforcing them,” the communiqué says.

It is underscored that Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and its threat to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus are unacceptable.

Special attention is paid to the attempts of other countries to help Russia evade sanctions and provide material support.

"We reiterate our call on third parties to cease assistance to Russia’s war, or face severe costs. We will reinforce our coordination to prevent and respond to third parties supplying weapons to Russia and continue to take actions against those who materially support Russia’s war against Ukraine,” the communiqué says.

The document, endorsed by top diplomats, is prepared as a template for the upcoming G7 Hiroshima Summit next month and includes wording on Iran, Myanmar, nuclear non-proliferation, and other important global issues.

It pays special attention to two crises: China's growing threats and its military maneuvers around Taiwan; Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Russian leader's threats to use tactical nuclear weapons.