The Group of Seven has committed to gradually put an end to its dependence from imports of Russian energy source, according to a G7 statement released on Sunday after a virtual meeting of the G7 leaders with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, TASS reports.
"First, we commit to phase out our dependency on Russian energy, including by phasing out or banning the import of Russian oil. We will ensure that we do so in a timely and orderly fashion, and in ways that provide time for the world to secure alternative supplies," it reads.
"We will work together and with our partners to ensure stable and sustainable global energy supplies and affordable prices for consumers, including by accelerating reduction of our overall reliance on fossil fuels and our transition to clean energy in accordance with our climate objectives," the document says.
Japan sides with other members of the Group of Seven (G7) in the decision to abandon imports of Russian oil, even despite the difficulty of such decision for Tokyo, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on the air with the NHK TV Channel.
"This is a tough call for Japan relying on imports of the greater portion of energy resources. However, the unity of G7 is important now as never before," Kishida said.
G7 member-states vowed in their joint statement to gradually put an end to the dependence on import of energy resources from Russia.
Besides, G7 plans to increase pressure on Russia through sanctions, including restrictions on the Russian "financial elite, their family members."
The leaders of the United States, Great Britain, France, Italy and Japan have assured that they will ensure the "democratic future" of Ukraine, expand financial support to Kyiv, and work for the reconstruction of the country.
The G7 has decided to expand short-term financial assistance to Kyiv, pledging $24 billion in 2022 and beyond. The issue of supporting long-term recovery is being discussed at the same time with the Ukrainian authorities and international financial institutions.
