G7 "Ukraine Invasion Will Lead to Severe Consequences"

(Photo by Reuters)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] As speculation arises that Russia will invade Ukraine early next year, the Group of Seven (G7) and the European Union (EU) have issued a strong warning of a robust response.

According to major foreign media on the 12th (local time), the foreign ministers of the G7 and the EU, after a three-day meeting held in Liverpool, UK, released a separate statement warning, "If Russia launches an attack on Ukraine, it will face tremendous consequences and enormous costs."

This measure reflects concerns over Russia's military buildup near the Ukrainian border. U.S. intelligence agencies estimate that Russia plans to deploy up to 175,000 troops to Ukraine for an offensive early next year.

Earlier, Liz Truss, the UK Foreign Secretary and chair of the meeting, hinted at economic sanctions during a press conference, stating that the UK is considering all options.

The foreign ministers of the G7 and the EU said, "We condemn Russia's military buildup and aggressive rhetoric toward Ukraine," adding, "As U.S. President Joe Biden stated during his call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 7th, we demand that Russia de-escalate tensions, pursue diplomatic communication, and adhere to international commitments regarding transparent military activities."

The G7 foreign ministers also addressed measures to counter China. In their statement, the G7 expressed concerns about "China's coercive economic policies," targeting the Belt and Road Initiative. They particularly discussed providing alternative investments to developing countries in Africa and other regions where China is expanding its influence.

The G7 foreign ministers stated in their declaration, "We discussed various issues and problems including the situations in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, the East China Sea and South China Sea, and the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." Since publicly criticizing China for the first time in their June summit statement, the G7 leaders have intensified their offensive against China.

To expand and strengthen the front against China, foreign ministers from key ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries participated for the first time. In the ASEAN-related statement announced by Foreign Secretary Truss, the G7 foreign ministers emphasized, "It is important to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region."

The statement also included a renewed call for North Korea to refrain from provocations and to engage in diplomatic processes. This is consistent with the joint statement issued after the May Foreign and Development Ministers' Meeting.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.