The Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) after meeting virtually issued a statement, condemning the large-scale military aggression by the Russian Federation against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, directed partly from Belarusian soil.

Joined G7 Leaders’ meeting on #Russia‘s brutal attack on #Ukraine. #NATO is part of a united international response. We say with one voice that democracy will prevail over autocracy. Freedom will prevail over oppression. pic.twitter.com/AdR8tIISzi

— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) February 24, 2022

In a joint statement, the leaders stressed “this unprovoked and completely unjustified attack on the democratic state of Ukraine was preceded by fabricated claims and unfounded allegations,” pledging to bringing forward “severe and coordinated economic and financial sanctions.”

They call on all partners and members of the international community “to condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms, to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, and raise their voice against this blatant violation of the fundamental principles of international peace and security.”

“President Putin has re-introduced war to the European continent. He has put himself on the wrong side of history. We call on the Russian Federation to stop the bloodshed, to immediately de-escalate and to withdraw its forces from Ukraine. We also call on Russia to ensure the safety of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission. We also condemn the involvement of Belarus in this aggression against Ukraine and call on Belarus to abide by its international obligations.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russian President Putin’s decision on February 21 to recognise the Donetsk and Luhansk self-declared entities in eastern Ukraine as “independent” states as well as his decision to send Russian military forces into these regions. We call on other states not to follow Russia’s illegal decision to recognise the proclaimed independence of these entities.

We condemn President Putin for his consistent refusal to engage in a diplomatic process to address questions pertaining to European security, despite our repeated offers,” the statement reads.

The Prime Minister attended a virtual meeting of @G7 leaders this afternoon on the response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The PM outlined the economic steps the UK will take to punish President Putin and his regime for their actions.

— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) February 24, 2022