“The Seven” pledge support to Ukraine and “hold Putin accountable”

Berlin: Raghida Behnam – Moscow: Raed Jabr – Washington: Heba Al-Qudsi

The leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized countries pledged to “hold” Russian President Vladimir Putin to account for the Russian missile strikes targeting Ukraine two days ago. And to “stand firmly by Ukraine, as long as necessary.”

The leaders of the “Seven” welcomed Zelensky’s “readiness” for a “just peace”, noting that this requires ensuring “the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine”, and continuing with “accountability for the Russian crimes committed during the war.”

Speaking at the summit, Zelensky said: “When Ukraine receives enough modern and effective air defense systems, the main element of Russian terrorism, missile strikes, will stop.”

Before the summit, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov threatened that his country “will be forced to take countermeasures, due to the increasing participation of the United States and Europe in the Ukraine conflict.”

In addition, Putin held talks with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in St. Petersburg, yesterday, that focused on the bilateral relationship, and regional and international files.

The two parties paid special attention to the situation in Ukraine, in light of the mediation efforts made by Abu Dhabi to bring views and find peaceful solutions to the outstanding problems. Putin praised the “joint work” of Russia and the UAE, within the framework of the “OPEC Plus” bloc, to achieve stability in global energy markets.
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