In today’s meeting the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, reaffirmed in the strongest terms their condemnation of Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine.

The meeting focused on Russia’s culpability for aggravating the global food crisis as a result of the war. G7 Foreign Ministers made clear that Russia’s war against Ukraine is exacerbating food insecurity, including by blocking the Black Sea, bombing grain silos and ports, and damaging Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure.

Ministers rejected Russia’s false narrative and disinformation on sanctions. All G7 sanctions include exemptions to allow Russian food and agricultural products to get to global markets.

G7 Foreign Ministers called on Moscow to cease its attacks and threatening actions and un-block the Ukrainian Black Sea ports for food exports. They expressed their support for the United Nations’ efforts to urgently reopen a Black Sea route for grain and the European Commission’s Action Plan for EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes for moving grain by road, rail and barge to world markets, to which G7 countries are actively contributing.

G7 Foreign Ministers again underscored their unwavering support for Ukraine, including military and defense assistance, for as long as necessary. They pledged humanitarian assistance, support for reconstruction and stabilisation for Ukraine as well as to enhance the resilience of neighbouring countries, especially the Republic of Moldova, which is particularly affected by the influx of Ukrainian refugees. Furthermore, they welcomed the European Council decision to grant Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status and to grant Georgia “EU perspective” status with a defined path toward candidate status.

The G7 Foreign Ministers also had an exchange on the state of play of preparations for the G7 Summit in Elmau on 26-28 June, with a focus on the foreign and security-related priorities for G7 Leaders.