G7 condemns Russia’s planned referenda on Ukraine

G7 foreign ministers declared Thursday in the United States that they strongly condemn Russia’s announcement to hold referenda “in the sovereign territory of Ukraine, which is temporarily under Russian control.”

“Any referenda held under conditions of Russian military presence, intimidation, and forced deportation cannot be free or fair,” reads the communique, adding that further actions in this direction will lead to more sanctions and political and economic pressure on Moscow.

The group also expressed concern about the global consequences of the invasion of Ukraine and its impact on the food market. Regarding China, the ministers “reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability” in the Taiwan Strait and asked for a “peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues.”