Right at the beginning of their summit in Japan, the G7 countries decided on new sanctions against Russia, which are intended to hit its “war machine”. In addition, the states insist on a complete withdrawal of Russia from Ukraine.
The G7 heads of state and government want to paralyze Russia’s “war machine” as much as possible with new sanctions. The G7 summit today decided to “deprive Russia of G7 technologies, industrial equipment and services” that would be used for the war in Ukraine. This includes export restrictions on goods that are “crucial for Russia on the battlefield” and also sanctions against companies that bring war material to the front for Moscow.
“We remain united in imposing coordinated sanctions and other economic measures to further undermine Russia’s ability to conduct its illegal aggression,” said a joint G7 statement on Ukraine. “We will expand our efforts to ensure exports of all items critical to Russia’s aggression are restricted in all of our jurisdictions.” The G7 itself cannot impose sanctions, only coordinate them. States and communities of states such as the EU, on the other hand, can impose sanctions.
The group threatened consequences for states and companies that support Russia’s war. They would have to reckon with “significant costs”, it said.
US plans sanctions package against Russia
Before the meeting, the US had already announced a new sanctions package. A senior US official said around 70 companies in Russia and other countries should no longer receive US exports. In addition, around 300 “individuals, facilities, ships and aircraft” would be affected by further sanctions.
In addition, it is about the export of industrial machinery, tools and other technology that Russia needs for its war machine. Industry, construction and transport as well as services are mentioned. Possible effects on third countries should be avoided.
Ban on trading in Russian diamonds
The G7 countries also spoke out in favor of further restricting Moscow’s commodity trade, which is worth billions. Britain announced an import ban on diamonds, copper, aluminum and nickel from Russia. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stressed that the G7 are “united in the face of the threat posed by Russia and unwavering in our support of Ukraine”.
“Russian diamonds are not imperishable,” said EU Council President Charles Michel. “We will restrict trade in Russian diamonds.” The trade in rough diamonds brings Russia four to five billion dollars a year (3.7 to 4.6 billion euros).
There were initially no details on the planned diamond sanctions. The summit statement simply says it is about coordinated action, including diamond-tracing technologies.
unconditional Withdrawal from Ukraine
The leaders also said they insisted on a “complete and unconditional withdrawal” of Russia from Ukraine. They emphasized that they will continue to support Ukraine financially in the coming year. “A just peace is not possible without the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops and military equipment. This must be included in every call for peace,” it said.
EU Council President Michel said the G7 would also discuss further military support before the expected spring offensive against Russia. “It is very clear that Ukraine needs more military hardware,” he said. It will also be about the training of fighter jet pilots.
Contradictory information has come out of Kiev about a possible trip by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the G7 summit. “Very important things are decided there,” said the head of Ukraine’s National Security Council, Oleksiy Danilov. “The physical presence of our President is absolutely essential to defend our interests.” However, the National Security Council later stated that Zelenskyy was only attending the meeting online.
“Policy towards China must change”
In the course of the day, in addition to the war of aggression against Ukraine, foreign and security policy, including nuclear disarmament, will also be discussed. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is hoping for a signal for nuclear disarmament at the meeting. However, nuclear powers such as the USA, France and Great Britain are reluctant to reduce their arsenals – also because Moscow has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons in the war against Ukraine.
Another topic of the three-day summit is China. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen painted a bleak picture of the country’s development and advocated a realignment of relations with the People’s Republic. “Our policy towards China needs to change because China has changed,” she said.
China has moved away from a policy of reform and opening up to a policy of security and control. It also struck up a “boundless friendship” with Russia shortly before Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, von der Leyen emphasized that, in her view, decoupling from China was neither feasible nor in Europe’s interest.
Commemorating the victims of Hiroshima
To kick off the G7 summit, host Kishida received participants at Hiroshima Peace Park, where they commemorated the victims of the US atomic bombing at the end of World War II in 1945. They laid wreaths at the memorial in the city, which was almost completely destroyed in the attack in World War II. Under the simple concrete arch lies a stone sarcophagus containing a register with the names of the 333,907 atomic bomb victims so far.