The leaders of the G7 countries have warned Russia of dire consequences if nuclear, chemical or biological weapons are used in Ukraine.
The group’s leaders emphasized that talking irresponsibly regarding the use of nuclear weapons endangers global security.
Emergency talks between member states were held online in response to Russia’s air and missile strikes on Ukraine this week.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke during the meeting.
A final statement was issued in which Member States condemned the bombing of civilian areas as a “war crime”.
Before the meeting, the leaders of the countries of the group expressed their support for Ukraine, and their condemnation of the massive Russian missile strikes that targeted Ukraine on Monday.
“We will continue to provide financial, humanitarian, military, diplomatic and legal support and will stand firmly with Ukraine no matter how long it takes,” said the group, which includes Canada, the United States, France, Britain, Germany, Italy and Japan.
The group also condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent attempts to annex four Ukrainian regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the G7 meeting
Zelensky asked member states to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, in addition to supporting an international mission on Ukraine’s border with Belarus.
The Belarusian president – an ally of Putin – has agreed to deploy his forces alongside Russian forces on the border with Ukraine.
At least 19 people were killed and the number of wounded was increased, following the Russian bombing of central Kyiv and various regions in Ukraine.
The bombing continued until Tuesday. Civilians were advised to stay in shelters to protect once morest aerial bombardment.
The Russian president had made it clear that the missile attacks were in response to the explosion on Saturday on the only bridge leading to Crimea.
