The head of the Italian government, Giorgia Meloni, made a surprise visit to kyiv this Saturday, February 24, to hold the meeting of the G7, an organization chaired by Italy since January 1. Volodymyr Zelensky took part in this meeting planned to mark the second anniversary of the Russian offensive against Ukraine.
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THE G7 called on Russia to fully clarify the circumstances surrounding the death of opponent Alexeï NavalnyWho ” sacrificed his life fighting against Kremlin corruption and for free and fair elections “, as well as to put an end to the persecution of the political opposition, reports our correspondent in Rome, Anne Le Nir.
According to the final communiqué, the G7, which was held in the presence of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, but also of the Canadian Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau, and Belgian Prime Ministers, Alexander De Croo, promises to intensify its aid to Ukraine and to prevent Russia’s efforts to build its war machine.
Unwavering support for Ukraine
This G7 meeting was preceded by a press conference during which Volodymir Zelensky urged his Western allies to do everything to make 2024 a decisive year for restoring long-term security in Ukraine. He also warmly thanked Italy and Canada for the bilateral security agreements signed. Agreements similar to those already signed, notably by Germany and France. But unlike other countries, Italy has not specified the amount of its aid. This meeting, the first of the G7 under the Italian presidency, concluded with a joint declaration reaffirming unwavering support for Ukraine.
In more detail, the seven major world powers undertake to intensify their aid and to “ assist other countries seriously affected by the effects of the war with Russia “. Moreover, ” additional sanctions » targeting actors from third countries, who help Moscow acquire weapons, “ will be imposed “. And “ Russia’s sovereign assets will remain frozen until the Kremlin pays for the damage caused to Ukraine “.
“ We will continue to drive up the cost of Russia’s war, lower its revenue streams, and impede its efforts to build its war machine, as demonstrated by the sanctions packages we recently adopted. “, affirmed the G7 leaders in a press release. kyiv’s allies also denounced the aid provided by Tehran, Beijing and Pyongyang to Moscow, and promised to “ take action against third party actors who materially support Russia’s war “.
Emmanuel Macron was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stéphane Séjourné, officially due to the strong tensions during the first day of the Agricultural Show.
(And with AFP)