Joint declaration of support for Ukraine

The text of the following statement was released by the G7 leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission.

The following countries have requested to become signatories of this declaration, thereby joining the G7 in support of Ukraine: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Starting text:

We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the strategic goal of a free, independent, democratic and sovereign Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, capable of defending itself and future aggression to deter.

We reiterate that Ukraine’s security is an essential component of the security of the Euro-Atlantic region.

We consider Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine to be a threat to international peace and security, a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and incompatible with our security interests. We will stand by Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression for as long as it is necessary.

We are united in our enduring support for Ukraine, based on our shared democratic values ​​and interests, especially respect for the UN Charter and the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Today, we begin negotiations with Ukraine to express, through bilateral security commitments and agreements consistent with this multilateral framework and our respective legal and constitutional requirements, our continued support to Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, in rebuilding its economy, protects its citizens and strives for integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. We will direct our teams to begin these conversations immediately.

Each of us will work with Ukraine on specific, bilateral, long-term security commitments and arrangements to achieve:

a) Ensuring a sustainable force capable of defending Ukraine now and deterring Russian aggression in the future through the continued provision of:

• Security support and modern military equipment across land, air and sea domains – prioritizing air defence, artillery and long-range fire, armored vehicles and other key capabilities such as combat aircraft, and promoting increased interoperability with Euro-Atlantic partners;
• Supporting the further development of Ukraine’s defense industrial base;
• Education and training exercises for Ukrainian armed forces;
• information sharing and collaboration;
• Support for cyber defense, security and resilience initiatives, including to combat hybrid threats.

b) Strengthening Ukraine’s economic stability and resilience, including through reconstruction and recovery efforts, to create conditions conducive to promoting Ukraine’s economic prosperity, including its energy security.

c) To provide technical and financial support for Ukraine’s immediate needs arising from the war against Russia and to enable Ukraine to further implement the effective reform agenda that will support the good governance necessary for the realization of its Euro-Atlantic efforts are required.

In the event of a future armed attack by Russia, we intend to immediately consult with Ukraine to determine appropriate next steps. We intend, in accordance with our respective legal and constitutional requirements, to provide rapid and sustained security assistance, modern military equipment by land, sea and air, and economic assistance to Ukraine, to impose economic and other costs on Russia, and to consult with Ukraine on their needs while exercising her right to self-defense enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. To this end, we will work with Ukraine on an expanded package of security commitments and arrangements in the event of future aggression to enable Ukraine to defend its territory and sovereignty.

In addition to the elements outlined above, we remain committed to supporting Ukraine by holding Russia accountable. This includes ensuring that the costs to Russia of its aggression continue to rise, including through sanctions and export controls, and supporting efforts to bring to justice those responsible for war crimes and other international crimes committed in and against Ukraine To be held accountable These are attacks on critical civilian infrastructure. There must be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities. In this context, we reaffirm our commitment to holding those responsible accountable in accordance with international law, including by supporting the efforts of international mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court (ICC).

We reiterate that, in accordance with our respective legal systems, Russia’s sovereign assets will remain immobile in our jurisdictions until Russia pays for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. We recognize the need to establish an international mechanism to redress any damage, loss or injury caused by Russian aggression and express our willingness to explore options for developing appropriate mechanisms.

For its part, Ukraine commits to the following:

(a) Contribute positively to partner security and strengthen transparency and accountability measures regarding partner support;

b) Continuing the implementation of reforms in the areas of law enforcement, justice, anti-corruption, corporate governance, economy, security sector and state administration, which underline its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and media freedom and underline its objectives to pursue a sustainable economy;

c) Further develop defense reforms and modernization, including by strengthening democratic civilian control of the military and improving efficiency and transparency in Ukraine’s defense institutions and defense industry.

The EU and its Member States stand ready to contribute to these efforts and will rapidly examine the modalities of such a contribution.

These efforts come as Ukraine pursues a path toward future membership in the Euro-Atlantic community.

Other countries wishing to contribute to this effort to ensure a free, strong, independent and sovereign Ukraine may accede to this Joint Declaration at any time.

End text.