INTERNATIONAL: The seven leading industrial nations of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, are united in their condemnation of Russia’s military build-up and aggressive rhetoric towards Ukraine. On Monday February 14, they have warned Russia of "a swift, joint reaction" if it chose to invade Ukraine, to whose economy they also promised rapid and decisive support.

The G7 Finance Ministers have published a joint statement under the German presidency. The seven leading industrial nations made clear that they would swiftly and jointly react to a violation of Ukraine's sovereign borders. It is not often the case that the G7 makes statements on current diplomatic issues. This is now required. The G7 Finance Ministers have assured Ukraine that they will continue its economic development and that they will keep an eye on Ukraine's financial stability. Russia must know that a violation of international law or the borders of Ukraine will be met with a swift, joint reaction.

The finance ministers too are making their contribution towards deescalating the situation, on the one side by strengthening Ukraine's position. They will ensure its financial stability. At the same time they are letting the Kremlin know that they will defend borders together, also in the financial term of the word. There would be tough sanctions on Russia, also in the financial sector.

Any use of force to change borders is strictly prohibited under international law. Russia should be in no doubt that further military aggression against Ukraine would have massive consequences and severe cost in response.

The 7 finance ministers have reaffirm their unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the right of any sovereign state to determine its own future. We commend Ukraine’s posture of restraint. They have also said, they will intensify their cooperation on their common and comprehensive response.

^{PHOTO: GERMAN FINANCE MINISTER CHRISTIAN LINDNER SAYING G7 FINANCE MINISTERS IN JOINT STATEMENT REITERATE THAT ANY FURTHER MILITARY AGGRESSION BY RUSSIA AGAINST UKRAINE WILL BE MET WITH A SWIFT, COORDINATED AND FORCEFUL RESPONSE}