
Statement of the MFA of Ukraine on the G7 Ministerial Joint Communique
Ukraine welcomes the G7
Foreign Minister’s Joint Communiqué and their full support of Ukraine’s
independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and their resolve in urging
the Russian Federation to stop its aggression against Ukraine.
There can
be no security and stability in Europe unless Russia stops its belligerent
foreign policy aimed at redrawing borders and reinstating Cold War spheres of
influence. Only full adherence to international law and implementation of
agreements reached can lead to peaceful settlement of conflicts.
The Russian
Federation bears full responsibility for the deterioration of security and the
dire human rights situation in occupied Donbas and Crimea.
We welcome
the G7 reiteration of its condemnation of the illegal attempted annexation of
the Autonomous Republic of Crimea by Russia. This illegal annexation has led to
repressions, widespread human rights violations, as well as discrimination of
the Crimean Tatars and ethnic Ukrainians. Russia must uphold all of its
obligations under international law as an occupying power. In particular it
must ensure full respect of human rights in the occupied Crimea and the city of
Sevastopol.
The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine believes that militarization of the Crimean
peninsula and its use for Russian military operations in Syria constitutes a
grave threat to European security. It also goes against international efforts
to bring peace to the Middle East.
We also
welcome the G7’s renewed commitment to the implementation of the Minsk
Agreements and recognition that Russia must live up to its commitments: to
cease fire, to withdraw its troops from the territory of Ukraine and to return
to Ukraine the control of its international border. We note and appreciate the
G7’s advocacy for the continuation of sanctions until Russia gets off Ukrainian
land.
We are
pleased that the G7 has recognized the progress that we are making on our
reform agenda. We know that we have more to do in this area and with the
continued support of our partners we will do it.