JAPAN: In the latest development at the G7 summit in Japan, tensions between Russia and Western countries escalated as Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko issued a warning, highlighting the “colossal risks” involved.
Grushko accused Western nations of persisting with an escalation scenario and asserted that Russia would consider these risks in its plans, firmly asserting its capabilities to achieve its objectives.
The warning from Russia came after US President Joe Biden announced his decision to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, a move that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed.
Advanced warplanes are known for their high-speed capabilities and the ability to engage aerial and ground targets.
The announcement about the F-16 jets and training for Ukrainian pilots came during the summit, further solidifying support for Ukraine’s acquisition of combat air capabilities.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a strong advocate for supporting Ukraine, welcomed Biden’s decision and expressed unity among nations.
The UK, the USA, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark will collaborate to ensure Ukraine receives the necessary combat air capabilities.
This decision highlights the determination of these nations to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
President Zelensky’s presence at the G7 summit allowed him to engage with world leaders who have not officially supported Ukraine in the past.
During the summit, Zelensky interacted with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, potentially strengthening Ukraine’s alliances and garnering further international support.
At the summit, Chancellor Sunak held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and briefly met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The conversations centred around providing military assistance and long-term security support to Ukraine.
Additionally, they addressed the issue of small boat crossings in the English Channel, an ongoing concern for the region.
In a significant announcement, the G7 leaders established a new team aimed at detecting and countering Russia’s and China’s use of economic coercion to influence the decisions of other nations.
In a joint statement, the leaders emphasised the importance of pressuring China to urge Russia to halt its military aggression and withdraw its troops from Ukraine immediately, completely, and unconditionally.
The leaders warned that countries employing trade as a weapon would face repercussions, specifically targeting Beijing and its alleged economic coercion practises.
While the G7 leaders clarified that they are not advocating for decoupling or isolation, they acknowledged the necessity of economic resilience through risk mitigation and diversification.
The heads of state emphasised that a thriving China adhering to international rules would benefit the global community, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a balanced and cooperative approach in dealing with economic and geopolitical challenges.
The G7 summit continues to be a platform for high-stakes discussions, highlighting the shifting dynamics between major powers and the mounting concerns over Russia’s actions in Ukraine and China’s economic influence on the world stage.
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