G7-Ukraine Leaders Hold Emergency Video Conference: "Severe Consequences If Russia Uses Nuclear Weapons"

"Russia's Mobilization Order, Condemnation of Irresponsible Nuclear Use Investigation"
US "Advanced Air Defense Systems to Support Ukraine Soon"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] In an emergency video conference held immediately after Russia's missile strikes on Ukraine, the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) and Ukraine strongly condemned Russia, stating that any use of biochemical or nuclear weapons is unacceptable.

According to the Associated Press on the 11th (local time), the G7 leaders held an emergency video conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss countermeasures following Russia's missile strikes on Ukraine. In a joint statement released after the meeting, they said, "We condemn in the strongest possible terms and remind that indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians constitute war crimes," adding, "We will hold Russian President Vladimir Putin and those responsible accountable."

They continued, "We deplore Russia's mobilization order and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, which endanger global peace and security," and strongly warned, "If Russia uses any kind of biochemical or nuclear weapons, it will face severe consequences."

The G7 leaders emphasized, "We have imposed additional economic costs on Russia, including individuals and entities inside and outside Russia who provide political or economic support for Russia's illegal attempts to change the status of Ukrainian territory, and we will continue to impose such costs."

They also declared continued military support for Ukraine. The G7 leaders pledged, "No matter how long it takes, we will continue to provide financial, humanitarian, military, diplomatic, and legal support to Ukraine and stand with Ukraine, dedicating ourselves to helping Ukraine get through the winter."

President Zelenskyy, who also participated in the video conference, repeatedly requested military support including air defense systems. He emphasized, "If Ukraine can receive sufficient support for modern and effective air defense systems, the core of Russian terror?the rocket attacks?will also stop," adding, "We expect these systems to operate effectively at medium to long ranges, forming layered air defense shields."

Meanwhile, separately from the G7 meeting, the United States announced its intention to provide advanced surface-to-air missile systems (NASAMS) to Ukraine as soon as possible.

John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House National Security Council (NSC), said in a video briefing that day, "We are working to provide two NASAMS units and expect to deliver them very soon," adding, "Since this is an ongoing matter, it is difficult to specify an exact date, but we are very focused on delivering NASAMS to Ukraine as quickly as possible."

Earlier, the U.S. Department of Defense announced plans to provide two NASAMS units by the end of this year and to deliver six additional units in the long term. It is expected that the schedule for this support plan will be significantly accelerated due to Russia's missile strikes on Ukraine.

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