On the first anniversary of Russia invading Ukraine, President Joe Biden joined other Group of Seven leaders to denounce Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s “irresponsible nuclear rhetoric” days after he withdrew his country from the nonproliferation New START Treaty.
The G-7 leaders’ statement emerged after they spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for roughly 90 minutes Friday morning to mark one year of the war.
BIDEN AT LEADERSHIP CROSSROADS IN UKRAINE ON ANNIVERSARY OF RUSSIA’S WAR
“In the past year, Russian forces have killed thousands of Ukrainians, caused millions to flee, and forcibly deported many thousands of Ukrainians, including children, to Russia,” the statement said. “Russia has destroyed hospitals, schools, and energy and critical infrastructure, and left historic cities in ruins. In areas liberated from Russian forces, there is evidence of mass graves, sexual violence, torture, and other atrocities. We strongly condemn all of Russia’s outrageous acts. Amidst Russia’s assault, Ukrainians are more united, proud, and determined than ever.”
Biden, along with his counterparts from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, also warned Putin “any use of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons” would be responded to “with severe consequences.”
“We recall the consensus achieved in [Bali, Indonesia] of all G-20 members, including Russia, that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible,” they said of last November’s G-20 meeting. “We also recall the importance of the 77-year record of non-use of nuclear weapons.”
The leaders renewed calls for “an international mechanism” to document the damage Russia has caused and ensure it “pays for Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction,” in addition to investigations by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, the Prosecutor-General of Ukraine, and other national prosecutors who can establish jurisdiction under national law.
“In this regard, we support exploring efforts to develop an international center for the prosecution of the crime of aggression against Ukraine (ICPA), which is linked to the existing Joint Investigation Team supported by Eurojust,” they said.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The leaders also criticized Russia’s “weaponization” of food, underscoring “the importance of the automatic extension of the [Black Sea Grain Initiative] by 18 March and its expansion” while welcoming G-7 finance ministers increasing budget and economic assistance to $39 billion for 2023.
Friday’s leaders’ statement coincided with new actions cracking down on third-country actors or other international “materially” aiding Russia and another security package, including new Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) equipment, ammunition for 155mm artillery systems and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), as well as mine-clearing and secure communications gear.
