G7 condemns Russian military buildup near Ukraine, warns of consequences: report

The Group of Seven (G7) countries warned that Russia will face “massive consequences” if it attacks Ukraine as the military buildup at the border between the two countries continues, according to a statement obtained by Reuters.

“Russia should be in no doubt that further military aggression against Ukraine would have massive consequences and severe cost,” a draft statement from the G7 said according to Reuters. “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the right of any sovereign state to determine its own future.”

This statement came one day after the Russian Embassy in London condemned Britain’s use of the phrase “Russian aggression” during a G7 meeting that was held this weekend.

“The overuse of the term ‘Russian aggression’ is particularly evident and deliberate, highlighting British G7 presidency’s obsession with finding a common cause for ‘a show of unity’. The repeated accusation itself is a cause for concern, as it misleads the followers,” the embassy said.

“It is important to reiterate that ‘the eventual Russian aggression against Ukraine’ is a bogus slogan, which the British politicians and loyal media seem to pull out of their hats one time too many,” it added.

During the G7 meeting, host British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss called for “a show of unity against global aggressors” including the “malign behaviors” of Russia towards Ukraine.

Numerous countries such as Germany and the U.S. have warned Russia against any aggression against the Ukraine, though American lawmakers have insisted that military options of response are not on the table.

On Sunday, the G7 released a statement formally condemning Russia’s military buildup at the Ukrainian border. They stated they will “intensify” their cooperation in responding to Russia’s aggression.

“We call on Russia to de-escalate, pursue diplomatic channels, and abide by its international commitments on transparency of military activities as President Biden did in his call with President Putin on 7 December,” said the G7. “We reconfirm our support for the efforts of France and Germany in the Normandy Format to achieve full implementation of the Minsk Agreements in order to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine.”

The G7 ministers voiced their continued commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and commended the country for its “posture of restraint.”

Updated 12:34 p.m.