G7 Foreign Ministers Urge Russia for Ceasefire Agreement Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
David Lammy emphasizes collective stance of G7 on Ukraine peace negotiations following meetings in Canada.
David Lammy, the British Foreign Secretary, has announced that G7 foreign ministers achieved a consensus during their recent meeting in Canada regarding further actions to press Russia into agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Lammy articulated that a ceasefire offer is currently on the table, emphasizing that "Ukraine is serious about peace," while calling on President Vladimir Putin to respond decisively.
He stated, "Now it is Putin who stands in the spotlight, Putin who must answer, Putin who must choose.
Are you serious, Mr. Putin, about peace?
Will you stop the fighting?
Or will you drag your feet and play games, pay lip service to a ceasefire while still pummeling your prey?" Lammy warned that if Putin remains unresponsive, the G7 is prepared to implement additional measures.
He remarked, "If Putin does not deliver… the G7 meeting helped us ready the tools to get Russia to negotiate seriously.
We’re not waiting for the Kremlin.
If they reject a ceasefire, we have more cards that we can play."
The G7 has conducted unprecedented sanctions against Russia, significantly impacting the nation’s economy by driving down social spending and causing inflation rates to escalate.
Current discussions among G7 nations are focused on targeting Russia's energy and defense sectors, aiming to further diminish oil revenues and utilize frozen Russian assets to heighten pressure for negotiations.
Lammy highlighted the need for continued efforts and support for Ukraine, urging European nations to share in this responsibility.
The international community watches closely as the G7 maintains dialogue on strategies to influence Russia’s stance while advocating for a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.