Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the G7 members have issued a ’very strong statement’ that reflected the allies’ mutual concerns.
The United States joined its Group of Seven (G7) allies on Friday to voice “unwavering support” for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and urge Russia to accept a cease-fire deal that will end the war in Ukraine.
The G7 nations welcomed a U.S.-brokered 30-day cease-fire deal to end the war, which Ukraine has agreed to, and called on Russia to “reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms.”
In a joint communique, the G7 nations agreed on the need for “robust and credible security arrangements” to ensure Ukraine can defend itself from possible future Russian aggression during a cease-fire.
The G7 foreign ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the European Union, issued the statement following a meeting in Charlevoix, Canada.
The ministers discussed imposing additional costs on Russia if it refused to agree to a cease-fire, including further sanctions, oil price caps, and increased support for Ukraine.
They also considered using extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilized Russian state assets, according to the statement.
Ukraine has agreed to enter into a 30-day cease-fire with Russia following March 11 talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The United States has, in turn, resumed weapons supplies and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for the cease-fire efforts in principle, but insisted that remaining concerns must be resolved before he would agree to halt the invasion.
Speaking to reporters in Charlevoix, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the G7 members have issued a “very strong statement” that reflected the allies’ mutual concerns.
“I think there is reason to be cautiously optimistic, but by the same token we continue to recognize this is a difficult and complex situation. It will not be easy,” he said. “But we certainly feel like we’re at least some steps closer to ending this war and bringing peace.”
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said the G7 members have “strong unity” on defending Ukraine and would back a cease-fire proposal supported by Ukrainians.
Joly said the ball is now “in Russia’s court” to show that it is likewise ready for a cease-fire, adding that the G7 is “studying” Russia’s response to the U.S. cease-fire proposal.
Beyond the immediate cease-fire idea, Russia has presented the United States with a list of demands for a deal to end its war against Ukraine and reset relations with Washington.
Putin added that if Moscow and Washington could agree on energy cooperation, then gas supplies for Europe could resume, following Russia’s loss of its primary position as the main supplier to Europe during the war.
Andrew Thornebrooke contributed to this report.
