The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries met on Monday to reaffirm their "unwavering support for and solidarity with Ukraine," as well to condemn Russia's "war of aggression."."We condemn Russia's continuous inhumane and brutal attacks targeting critical infrastructure — in particular energy and water facilities — and cities across Ukraine, and recall that indiscriminate attacks and attacks on the civilian population or civilian objects, constitute a war crime. We also condemn those who are facilitating Putin's illegal war," the countries said in a joint statement..The G7, which constitutes the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy, said they are determined to help Ukraine repair its damaged energy and water infrastructure. Russia has in recent months shelled civilian infrastructure in major Ukrainian cities, resulting in prolonged blackouts across the country..On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for $843 million in aid to support the country's critical infrastructure during the winter, adding this money was less expensive than a "total blackout.".The Canadian government also announced Tuesday it's channeling $115 million collected in tariffs on Russian and Belarusian products to help rebuild Ukraine's power grid. Canada months ago put a 35% tariff on most goods coming from the two closely-aligned countries..According to the G7, Russia will eventually need to pay for the restoration of Ukrainian critical infrastructure damaged in the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin will also need to be held accountable for Russian war crimes and his "irresponsible nuclear rhetoric." Last week, Putin said his country would protect itself with "all the means at its disposal, if necessary," but added "we have not gone crazy. We are not going to brandish [nuclear weapons] like a razor, running around the world.".The G7 said it supports efforts to "secure Ukraine's immediate financial stability," as well as its reconstruction towards a prosperous and democratic future. The countries pledged to establish a multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform in order to "coordinate existing mechanisms to provide ongoing short and long-term" funding support..The global community has handed Ukraine over $100 billion in aid between January 24 to Oct. 3, 2022. Canada sent more than $1 billion in aid to Ukraine, to be used for military equipment and for the training of Ukrainian troops. .Phasing out Russian oil and gas products is also a priority of the G7. The respective countries implemented a price cap on seaborne Russian crude oil on Dec. 5, 2022 in an attempt to prevent Russia from profiting from its war against Ukraine and to support global energy market stability.."We encourage third countries that seek to import seaborne Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products to leverage the price cap," they said in the statement..Sanctions on Russian will continue and intensify, according to the G7, while vulnerable countries that have been economically impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war will be shielded by the international community.."Russia's war of aggression must end. To date, we have not seen evidence Russia is committed to sustainable peace efforts. Russia can end this war immediately by ceasing its attacks against Ukraine and completely and unconditionally withdrawing its forces from the territory of Ukraine," the G7 said.."We welcome and support President Zelenskyy's initiative for a just peace."
