STATESIDE STORIES: The G7 Supports Ukraine
Summit Session 8 on Ukraine, 19 May 2023. Clockwise: Joe Biden (USA), Olaf Scholz (Germany), Rishi
Sunak (UK), Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel (European Union), Georgia Meloni (Italy),
Justin Trudeau (Canada), Emmanuel Macron (France), and Fumio Kishida (host, Japan)
by Mary Foran
The recent G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan has made its leaders “more united, more resolved, and more determined” to face the world’s many challenges, US President Joe Biden was quoted as saying.
G7 leaders visit Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine known for its floating torii gate in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima, between Session 1 focused on global economy and trade, and Session 3, a Working Dinner on diplomacy and security
The American President was emphatic in his support for Ukraine while condemning Russian aggression. He confirmed that the US would begin training Ukraine pilots on the F-16 jets which could prove to be a major factor in gaining air supremacy over Russia with support from G7 countries.
“This has been an extremely significant and important summit,” Biden said. He pledged a further $375 million dollars in military aid to Ukraine.
US President Joe Biden flanked by the German Chancellor and the Japanese Prime Minister during a summit working session. Says Biden: “The G7 Leaders remain resolved to continue to stand with the Ukrainian people.”
“The G7 reaffirmed our shared and unwavering commitment to stand with the brave people in Ukraine, as they defend themselves against Russia’s brutal war of aggression and the war crimes being committed,” Biden said.
“Russia started this war and Russia should end it today by withdrawing its troops from Ukraine’s internationally-recognized borders and ceasing its assault,” he said.
President Biden called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the conflict which has cost some 200,000 casualties on the Russian side alone.
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Images
Featured image/European Commission (Dati Bendo), ©European Union 2023, CC BY (Attribution)
Visit to the Itsukushima shrine/ 首相官邸ホームページ, CC BY4.0
Biden with Scholz and Shikida/White House photo, PD
