US threatens to block G7 statement on anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

The United States has threatened to withhold its support for a joint statement from the Group of Seven (G7) nations, which is set to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The controversy centers around the wording of the statement, which the US argues mirrors similar condemnations made in previous years and fails to adequately address the evolving geopolitical situation, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The United States expressed opposition to the section of the statement that condemns Russia’s actions, suggesting that it does not reflect the current state of negotiations and international discussions. Additionally, Washington has voiced concerns about a proposed call to intensify sanctions against Russia’s energy sector, a measure that aims to pressure Moscow into peace talks. The US administration believes that the statement’s language does not align with its strategy for a more tailored approach to ending the conflict.

While talks are ongoing to find a compromise on the statement’s wording, sources familiar with the discussions have indicated that the US is prepared to pull its support for the entire statement if these issues remain unresolved.

In a related development, a White House spokesperson confirmed that a meeting would be convened soon to align efforts on ending the war and explore potential strategies for a lasting resolution.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Trump administration had previously urged Ukraine to withdraw a draft resolution from the UN General Assembly that condemns Russia’s aggression and demands the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. In its place, the United States proposed its own draft resolution, which notably refrains from explicitly naming Russia as the aggressor and is considered less forceful in its stance.

By Vafa Guliyeva