New Delhi: As Russia continues to attack Ukraine, the G7 countries have decided to phase out their dependency on Russian oil imports to put pressure on the country. According to an AFP report, group seven France, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States have issued a statement saying that they will reduce their dependence on Russian oil. In their statement they have not specified the steps they will take to achieve the goal but have criticised the Russian President Vladimir Putin for bringing ‘shame’ to Russia with his invasion of Ukraine.
“We commit to phase out our dependency on Russian energy, including by phasing out or banning the import of Russian oil. We will ensure that we do so in a timely and orderly fashion, and in ways that provide time for the world to secure alternative supplies,” said the statement released by the White House according to the report.
The statement also said, “Putin’s war is causing global economic disruptions, impacting the security of global energy supply, fertiliser and food provision, and the functioning of global supply chains in general. The most vulnerable countries are affected most severely.”
However, the European Union has already said it is aiming to cut its reliance on Russian gas by two-thirds this year, though Germany has opposed calls for a full boycott, with member states continuing intense negotiations Sunday, AFP reported.
The date of Sunday's G7 meeting is highly symbolic: Europeans commemorate the end of World War II in Europe on May 8.
Sunday's meeting also comes on the eve of the May 9 military parade in Russia, which marks the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.
The G7 also slammed Putin personally for his actions in Ukraine.
The decision of the G7 came at a time India had decided to continue energy imports from Russia in March, despite warnings from the United States of America.