As the G7 leaders meet in Germany to discuss Ukraine, Russia is escalating its missile attacks on Ukrainian territory. Sanctions have been imposed against Russia since the conflict began on Feb. 24. The G7 leaders are meeting in Germany to discuss how to handle the situation. In a video message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asks G7 leaders to exert more pressure on Moscow to limit its actions and reduce oil prices.
President Biden will announce additional economic measures to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin, including a global price cap on Russian oil. The move comes on the same day as the Ukrainian president’s virtual G7 address. Biden’s announcement is sure to increase the pressure on the G7 to hold Russia accountable. This is the right time to step up pressure on Russia. Let’s hope that the G7 leaders will meet on the matter and take action in a meaningful way.
The United States has pledged to provide Ukraine with advanced surface-to-air missile defense systems. President Macron has praised Zelenskyy’s military assistance in the region. While the G7 leaders are meeting in Germany, some leaders have mocked Putin or his regime. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson joked that Putin should show off his pecs as a way to demonstrate solidarity.
The president of the Ukrainian government has urged the G7 to support his country in the fight against Russian aggression. Zelenskyy said he wants to tilt the war in Ukraine’s favor before winter. As the world’s economy struggles to cope with the crippling financial crisis, Ukraine’s government depends on Western aid. Therefore, President Biden is seeking authority to impose tariffs on Russian exports to help Ukraine cope with the crisis.
On June 25, Russian bombers launched missiles over Belarus and the Caspian Sea. The Russian defence ministry says the missiles targeted Ukrainian army training centres and a kindergarten. The attacks in Kyiv and Lviv were not aimed at civilians, but are intended to intimidate Ukraine ahead of the G7 summit. Moreover, delays in the transfer of the necessary weapons will only invite Russia to strike again.
While President Obama is in Europe, Vice President Biden will be addressing the G7 leaders. The United States and Europe are expected to discuss how to respond to the conflict. However, the war will disrupt the economic stability of Ukraine. Further, there will be discussions at both the G7 meeting and the NATO summit to address Russia’s actions in Ukraine. So, if you’re a member of the G7, make sure to take part in these meetings.
Meanwhile, Russia has also launched several missile strikes on Belarus. Long-range Tu-22 bombers deployed in Belarus fired missiles at different regions. These strikes preceded a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Belarusian President Alexander Lukashensky. Putin announced that Russia would supply Belarus with an Iskander-M missile system to defend its border. The move may further alienate Russia from the international financial system.