Four requirements from G7 to Russia

Heads of State and Government of the seven major industrialized countries (G7), who gathered on Wednesday, June 4, at the summit in Brussels, unanimously condemned the violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine by Russia.

 "The illegal annexation of the Crimea and the Russian efforts to destabilize the situation in the east of Ukraine are unacceptable and must be stopped," DPA quoted the joint statement of G7.

The leaders of the "Big Seven" demanded from Russia credible actions aimed at overcoming the Ukrainian crisis, threatening otherwise tightening sanctions. "We are ready if events so require, to strengthen targeted sanctions and impose significant additional restrictions to Russia to pay a higher price for its actions," said the final document of the summit.

The summit participants demanded from Moscow to fulfill four conditions:

- To recognize the results of the May 25 presidential elections in Ukraine, and to cooperate with the newly elected president of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko;

- Stop the flow of weapons and fighters to the east of Ukraine;

- Carry out a complete withdrawal of troops from the Russian- Ukrainian border;

- Guarantee gas supplies.

Commenting on the summit, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has made it clear that Russia's refusal could lead to a third level of economic sanctions. However, she stressed that the introduction of new sanctions has to be agreed.

The leaders of the "Big Seven" supported the idea of ​​organizing a conference of donor countries to provide financial assistance to Ukraine. At the same time, G7 urged Kiev to accelerate constitutional reforms and to respect strictly the rights of citizens living in all regions of the country, establishing a dialogue with representatives of the primarily Russian-speaking population of the eastern regions. Also at the summit the sides endorsed the EU's plan to hold an international conference on Ukraine. -02D-