G7 nations have expressed deep concern over the built-up of Russian troops on Ukraine border
The Foreign Minister of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations have demonstrated a “show of unity against aggressors” and expressed deep concern over the built-up of Russian troops on Ukraine border.
The Foreign Ministers had gathered in Liverpool, U.K. where United Kingdom (U.K.) sought elusive consensus from the wealthy nations’ club in response to what it calls “malign behaviour” by Russia, and over tensions with China and Iran.
Speaking on the occasion, the Foreign Secretary of U.K. – Liz Truss said, “We need to defend ourselves against the growing threats from hostile actors. And we need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy.”
Taking it to twitter, she tweeted,
Delighted to host our #G7 friends and allies in #Liverpool to discuss how we defend and advance freedom and democracy globally and challenge malign actors. 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇨🇦🇯🇵🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇹🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/LV6VzQCEKE
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) December 11, 2021
The United States (U.S.) and other NATO members are concerned that Russia might invade Ukraine. The U.S. had already warned Russian of sanctions if it does so. The President of Russia – Vladimir Putin had already told the President of U.S. – Joe Biden that Russia doesn’t intend to invade Ukraine.
During the meeting, Truss and Secretary of State, U.S. – Antony Blinken discussed how to deter Russia from further aggression against Ukraine in a one-on-one meeting. Other key challenges that the G7 members discussed included China’s increasing influence and Iran’s ambitious plan of developing nuclear weapons.
The American diplomat for Europe – Karen Donfried will visit both Kyiv and Moscow next week to reinforce the United States’ commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and to seek a diplomatic solution to the crisis. After meeting with Ukrainian and Russian officials, Donfried will go on to Brussels to talk with NATO and European Union (E.U.) allies.
Talking about the contentious Nord Stream 2 pipeline that was built to carry gas from Russia to Germany, bypassing Ukraine, Truss said that U.K. wants to work with other countries to make sure that free democratic nations are able to have an alternative to Russian gas supplies. Truss also discussed the matter with the Foreign Minister of Germany – Annalena Baerbock, who had previously opposed Nord Stream 2.
U.K. which is not particularly dependent on Russian gas but has been a critic of the pipeline. But London’s financial district and property market are major hubs for Russian money, and U.K. authorities have long been accused of turning a blind eye to ill-gotten funds from around the world.
The G7 members also discussed plans to vaccinate the world against Coronavirus (COVID-19). This gains importance as there has been protest in many parts of Europe after the countries announced lockdown for the unvaccinated.
