US opposes tough language on Russia in G7 statement - Reuters
Photo: Marco Rubio, United States Secretary of State (Getty Images)
The United States opposes harsh language on Russia in the G7 joint statement so as not to interfere with peace talks, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
On March 12 and 14, the Group of Seven foreign ministers will meet in Quebec, Canada. According to Reuters, Canada initially expected that the joint statement would address Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and relations with China. Ottawa also expects to adopt a separate declaration on the fight against Russia's shadow fleet.
According to diplomats, it proved difficult to agree on the full text of the final communiqué. Some believe that the G7 countries may not reach a compromise.
According to sources, Washington insists on removing references to sanctions and Russia's war against Ukraine from the joint statement. At the same time, it insists on tougher language regarding China.
According to other diplomats, the United States also opposes a separate statement on Russia's shadow fleet.
Commenting on this information, Rubio said that Washington would not sign anything that could harm bringing Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table.
“We feel like antagonistic language sometimes makes it harder to bring parties to the table, especially since we're the only ones right now that seem to be in a position to make talks like that possible,” he explained.
UN resolutions on Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Similar disagreements have also affected the United Nations. At the end of February, Ukraine and its partners submitted a resolution to the General Assembly calling on the Kremlin to withdraw its troops from Ukraine, recognizing Russia as the aggressor. The United States, in turn, requested that this document be withdrawn from consideration. At the same time, the American initiative called for "peace", and the war was initially called a “conflict” in the document. Both draft resolutions were eventually supported during the General Assembly meeting.
