G7 Announces New Sanctions Against Russia; Controversies Remain
During their summit in Japan, the G7 announced new sanctions against Russia. While the leaders demonstrate unity in their commitment to aid Ukraine, there remain controversial topics of discussion, including the fighter jet issue and how to deal with China.
Solidarity with Ukraine
At the conclusion of the first day of the G7 summit, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced, “We have once again assured Ukraine that we will provide full support for as long as necessary, with humanitarian aid, financial aid, and weapons deliveries.” Scholz spoke of a broad consensus found among the G7 states on this issue. The message to Russia is that a fair peace is only possible if they see that they must end the war and withdraw their troops from Ukraine immediately. The G7 summit document elaborated further, demanding that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally” withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
New Sanctions Against Russia
As expected, the G7 also announced additional sanctions against Russia during the summit. The objective is to deprive Russia of access to technology from G7 nations, as well as industrial equipment and services that support their war machine. The G7 also aims to restrict trade of Russian rough diamonds, as Russia is the world’s largest producer of rough diamonds.
Controversy over China and Fighter Jets for Ukraine
It is uncertain if the unity displayed on the first day of the summit will continue throughout. The US and Europe hold differing views on trade with China. Scholz attempted to demonstrate unity, saying that “No one is pursuing the idea of ??excluding China from world trade.”
There may also be controversy over discussions of supplying fighter jets to Ukraine, where President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to attend the summit personally. This gesture holds symbolic value, as Hiroshima, the “City of Peace,” hosts the summit.
Commemoration of the 1945 Atomic Bombings
During the opening of the summit, leaders visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and met with a survivor of the atomic bombings. They also jointly placed wreaths in the Peace Park. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that the world faces multiple crises, and G7 members should react effectively to lead the world by demonstrating shared fundamental values.
The summit will continue for two more days as leaders address these and other pressing issues.