09:19 13.04.2021

G7 member states call on Russia to cease 'provocations' near Ukrainian borders

1 min read
G7 member states call on Russia to cease 'provocations' near Ukrainian borders

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) member states, as well as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, urged Russia on Monday to cease "provocations" near the borders with Ukraine.

"These largescale troop movements, without prior notification, represent threatening and destabilizing activities. We call on Russia to cease its provocations and to immediately de-escalate tensions in line with its international obligations," the G7 said in a statement released by the United Kingdom, which is currently chairing the group.

The G7 and the EU "are deeply concerned by the large ongoing build-up of Russian military forces" on Ukraine's borders and in Crimea, the statement said.

The G7 member states pointed out that they support "Ukraine's posture of restraint."

They reiterated their support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as France and Germany's efforts as part of the Normandy Four aimed at securing the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.

An escalation in tensions began in Donbas in early 2021, despite the open-ended ceasefire deal concluded earlier. Both parties to the conflict have been reporting a growth in casualties.

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