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G7 Warn Russia To Stay Out Of Ukraine

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

(Worthy News) – British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Sunday that “the world’s largest economies are united” in warning Russia that an invasion of Ukraine would have “massive” — though largely undisclosed — consequences. She commented at the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers meeting in Liverpool, England.

This Christmas season, a joyful welcoming ceremony for ministers marked an otherwise gloomy gathering in Liverpool.

Hidden behind the smiles and fist bumps was concern within the G7 of the wealthiest economies about Russia’s military buildup near the Ukrainian border.

The U.S., NATO military alliance, and G7 allies worry that the movement of some 100,000 Russian troops and weapons to the border region could be a precursor to an invasion.

Truss discussed the crisis with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other G7 diplomats.

U.S. President Joe Biden says he has no plans to send American troops into Ukraine to help halt a possible Russian invasion.

ECONOMIC SANCTIONS

But when it comes to economic sanctions against Russia, Foreign Secretary Truss said the G7 was “considering all options.”

She stressed the group was sending a “powerful signal to adversaries and allies.” “We to defend ourselves against the growing threats from hostile actors,” she added, referring to aggressors.

“And we need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy,” Truss stressed.

However, critics could be forgiven for suggesting that a lack of political experience within its ranks undermines attempts by the G7 to impress Moscow.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin is a veteran in politics, five of the seven ministers meeting in Liverpool are in the job for less than a year.

However, European Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell claimed the G7 was united in its stance towards Russia. “Today has been the occasion for the big democracies in the world to stand together behind Ukraine. [And] supporting its sovereignty and territorial integrity in front of any challenge and any threat that can come from Russia,” he told reporters.

PUTIN INVADING?

Although Russian President Putin claims he has no intention to invade Ukraine, he hasn’t ruled it out completely. Putin has warned that Russia won’t accept the U.S.-led NATO alliance placing weapons in Ukraine or moving its troops closer to Russia.

In addition, Russia already backs separatists in eastern Ukraine in a conflict that has killed more than 14,000 people. Yet, Moscow claims it isn’t providing military support to the rebels and accuses Kyiv of aggressive actions, which the government denies.

However, while Russia managed to easily annex Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula in 2014, overtaking the rest of the country may prove more difficult.

Military sources and think tanks have no doubts that Russia could capture the whole of Ukraine. But they warn it will lead to a bloodbath as Ukrainian forces received Western training and weapons in recent years.

That, they say, could lead to thousands of Russian coffins being flown back to Russia and ongoing guerrilla warfare pressuring President Putin to explain the conflict at home.

Analysts say that with all options open, both the G7 and Russia may want to avoid another military conflict in Europe without clear winners.