Leaders of the G7 group of countries have underscored their unwavering support for Ukraine, affirming their commitment to providing both economic and military assistance to Kyiv amidst the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East. The G7 foreign ministers, representing the countries of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, and the United States, along with European Union representatives, convened in Tokyo for a crucial meeting.
During the discussions, the G7 leaders acknowledged Russia’s readiness for a prolonged conflict and reaffirmed their stance against Moscow. They emphasised that their support for Ukraine would continue unabated, despite the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, ensuring that the crisis in the Middle East would not divert their attention from the pressing situation in Ukraine.
In a joint statement issued by the Japanese foreign ministry, the leaders expressed a consensus on the necessity of imposing severe sanctions on Russia and sustaining their support for Ukraine, “even in today’s international situation,” alluding to the developments in the Middle East.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, representing the United States, conveyed the G7’s united condemnation of Russia’s war, emphasising the bloc’s solidarity in the face of the conflict.
However, beneath the strong rhetoric lies mounting tension as the conflict in Ukraine continues. Kyiv has raised concerns about “Ukraine fatigue” among Western nations, fearing that waning international support could jeopardise its ability to fend off Russian forces. Additionally, a delay in the disbursement of further funding for Ukraine, approximately $60 billion, requested by President Joe Biden, has added to the concerns. Current aid is expected to run out within weeks, posing potentially disastrous consequences for Ukrainian forces.
Internal discord within Ukraine is also evident, with President Volodymyr Zelensky and the commander of the Ukrainian armed forces, Gen Valery Zaluzhny, openly clashing over the war’s progress. Zaluzhny’s characterization of the conflict as a “stalemate” prompted Zelensky to urge unity among Ukrainians, appealing for solidarity amid the challenges.
Meanwhile, in a concerning development, a former head of a separatist militia and Russian collaborator, Mikhail Filiponenko, was killed in a car bomb attack in the city of Luhansk in occupied Ukraine. Ukrainian military intelligence claimed involvement in the attack, collaborating with local resistance fighters. Filiponenko had previously been targeted in an attack in February last year, according to Russian media reports.
The situation remains fluid, with international attention focused on the evolving dynamics in both Ukraine and the Middle East.
Kiki Garba
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