UK CONDEMNS RUSSIA’S WAR IN UKRAINE – UK and Russia exchange positions on the conflict
The war in Ukraine was a central point of discussion at the G20 meeting yesterday, with the Foreign Ministers of Russia and the UK presenting sharply different views on the conflict.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused “the West” and NATO of “provoking the crisis in Ukraine.” He stated that economic sanctions violate the U.N. Charter and pose a serious threat to the global economy.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, in a subsequent address, rejected Russia’s claims. Cooper stated that the conflict is an “unprovoked war of aggression” and an “assault on the U.N. Charter’s fundamental principles and respect for sovereignty.” Her remarks were made as the Russian representative left his seat during the session.
Several other G20 ministers joined the UK in expressing condemnation of the invasion. Meanwhile, the U.S. representative announced that under its upcoming presidency, the G20 will re-center its focus on its core economic mission.
