G7 Condemns Russia's Attempt to Annex Ukrainian Territory as "Violation of International Law, There Will Be Consequences"

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The United States and the other six major Western countries (G7) condemned on the 23rd (local time) the referendum initiated by Russia to annex the occupied territories of Ukraine as a violation of international law that undermines Ukraine's sovereignty.

The G7 leaders issued a statement on the day, saying, "We strongly condemn Russia's attempt to create a false pretext through a fake referendum to change the status of territory where Ukraine exercises sovereignty."

From the morning of the day, voting began in four regions of eastern Ukraine where the pro-Russian Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) were established: Donetsk Province and Luhansk (Russian name Lugansk) Province in the east, and Zaporizhzhia Province and Kherson Province in the south. The voting on annexation will continue until the 27th.

In response, the G7 leaders pointed out, "Russia's actions are a clear violation of the UN Charter and international law," and "directly contradict the rules governing relations between states." They also argued, "As seen in Russia's rush to hold the referendum without respecting democratic procedures and blatantly threatening residents, the fake referendum started today by Russia and the proxy governments it supports has no legal effect or legitimacy."

The leaders confirmed, "We will never recognize the referendum, which appears to be a measure for annexation with Russia, nor will we ever recognize any annexation if it occurs." Furthermore, they warned of additional sanctions, stating, "We are prepared to impose further economic costs on individuals and entities inside and outside Russia that politically and economically support Russia's attempts."

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre also stated at a briefing that day, "If Russia proceeds with annexation, we are prepared to swiftly impose harsh economic costs on Russia together with our allies and partners."

Meanwhile, the G7 plans to continue providing financial, humanitarian, military, diplomatic, and legal support to Ukraine, and to hold the 'International Expert Conference for Ukraine's Recovery, Reconstruction, and Modernization' in Berlin on October 25.

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