G7 slams Russian army’s alleged massacre in Ukrainian city of Bucha

By Agnes Szucs

BRUSSELS (AA) - Foreign ministers of G7 countries and the EU's foreign policy chief on Thursday condemned the Russian army’s alleged atrocities in Bucha and other Ukrainian towns.

Following their meetings, the foreign ministers of the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, as well as Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, released a joint statement.

The G7 reunited after the NATO foreign ministers' meeting, to which Japan was also invited, as were officials from other non-NATO countries and the EU.

“The G7 is committed to holding (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin to account for his unprovoked war of choice and ensuring he endures a strategic defeat in Ukraine,” US State Secretary Antony Blinken said on Twitter following the meeting.

Their statement condemned “in the strongest terms the atrocities committed by the Russian armed forces in Bucha and a number of other Ukrainian towns.”

“Haunting images of civilian deaths, victims of torture, and apparent executions, as well as reports of sexual violence and destruction of civilian infrastructure, show the true face of Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and its people,” it alleged.

The ministers vowed that “the massacres in the town of Bucha and other Ukrainian towns will be inscribed in the list of atrocities and severe violations of international law” and those responsible will be held accountable.

The G7 underlined “the necessity of further increasing the economic pressure inflicted on Russia and the Lukashenka regime in Belarus,” and pledged to “sustain and increase pressure on Russia by imposing coordinated additional restrictive measures.”

They reiterated the group’s “unwavering support for Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders” and promised further assistance, including military and financial aid.

They also warned Russia to completely withdraw its forces from Ukraine and to respect international law, including refraining from using chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons.

The ministers also voiced grave concerns over the Russian capturing of nuclear facilities, pointing out that violent actions increase the risk of a nuclear incident and endanger Ukraine and its neighbors.

They promised action against the “rise of food insecurity” and humanitarian crisis initiated by “Russia’s ruthless war and actions,” which have “massive consequences on global commodity and food prices."

Putin and Moscow are facing vehement criticism from the international community after Ukraine accused Russian forces of committing “genocide” and “war crimes” in Bucha.

Russia has rejected the allegations as a “fake news attack,” arguing that the images that have drawn global outrage were staged after Russian forces withdrew from the city.

The Russian war on Ukraine, which started on Feb. 24, has drawn international outrage, with Western countries and their allies implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.

In response, Russia imposed visa restrictions on citizens of "unfriendly countries," and asked these states to pay for its energy in rubles.

At least 1,611 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 2,227 injured, according to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be far higher.

More than 4.3 million Ukrainians have also fled to other countries, with millions more internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.​​​​​​​