One year on from Russia's full-scale unprovoked war of aggression, the G7 is more united than ever over Ukraine
Joint declaration on the eve of the one-year anniverssary of the Russian invasion to Ukraine, by the G7 diplomatic mission representatives in Paraguay.
FCDO building lit up with the colours of the Ukraine flag
This Friday, 24 February 2023, marks one year since the unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. As G7 Ambassadors accredited to Paraguay (Japan, Italy, Canada, France, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany and the European Union*), we wish to reaffirm to the Paraguayan public that Russia’s war of aggression threatens not only Ukraine, but also the United Nations Charter and its principles. As such, it is a matter of peace, security and stability that concerns us all. Failure to address this fact would condone illegal aggression and increase the risk of other countries facing similar aggression.
Throughout this year, G7 members, together with international partners, have supported Ukraine in the form of bilateral, regional and multilateral actions, which always hold Russia accountable for its actions. We wish to acknowledge Paraguay’s constructive role as a member of the UN Human Rights Council from 2022. The members of the G7 commit to provide Ukraine with financial, military, humanitarian and development assistance and we will maintain our strong solidarity to mitigate the effects of the invasion.
The members of the G7 reaffirm our full support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders. Under international law, in particular the UN Charter, Ukraine has the right to defend itself against Russian aggression and to regain full control of its territory.
G7 members have imposed, and will continue to impose, economic sanctions against the Russian Federation targeting individuals and entities inside and outside Russia that provide political or economic support for Russia’s illegal attempts to alter the status of Ukrainian territory.
Likewise, during this year, the members of the G7 have confronted the Russian Federation’s disinformation campaigns, raising awareness and truthfully denouncing the facts that have had an impact on public opinion, both here in Paraguay and worldwide.
Once again, the Ukrainian people have shown their resilience and courage. This unjustifiable war has forcibly displaced millions of Ukrainians, mostly women and children, and has resulted in thousands of casualties. G7 members and like-minded countries, such as Paraguay, have responded not only with assistance, but have also provided refuge for the victims of the Russian invasion.
The Russian Federation has deliberately used energy and food as weapons, consciously accepting that people all over the world will suffer from the worsening supply situation. Russia’s war of aggression has caused global bottlenecks in the supply of oil, gas, grain and fertilisers. This affects us all, but especially the most vulnerable.
G7 members urge all countries that support a rules-based international order, including Paraguay, to demand that the Russian Federation cease this aggression, which is a blatant violation of international law. The Russian Federation must also be held accountable for violating international humanitarian and human rights law.
A comprehensive, just and lasting peace can only be achieved if it is in line with the UN Charter and international law. One year on from Russia’s full-scale unprovoked war of aggression, G7 members are more united than ever for Ukraine.