LIVERPOOL: Top diplomats from the G7 nations gathered on Saturday in Liverpool with host country Britain, seeking to demonstrate “a show of unity against global aggressors” amid a crisis over Russia’s intentions towards Ukraine.
The UK is seeking elusive consensus from the club in response to what it calls “malign behaviour” by Russia, and over tensions with China and Iran.
“We need to defend ourselves against the growing threats from hostile actors,” British foreign secretary Liz Truss said as she opened the meeting of foreign ministers from the UK, the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. “And we need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy.”
The US and its Nato allies are concerned that Russia could invade Ukraine and have said they would inflict curbs on Russia if that happens. Moscow denies planning any attack. Truss and US secretary of state Antony Blinken discussed how to deter Russia from “further aggression against Ukraine” in a meeting, the state department said. UK said the two warned that a Russian incursion “would be a strategic mistake for which there would be serious consequences”.
The state department also said the top American diplomat for Europe, Karen Donfried, will visit Kiev and Moscow next week “to reinforce the US’ commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty” and to seek a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
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