The G7 countries condemned the referenda conducted on Saturday at Russia-occupied regions in Ukraine and called it a sham.
In a statement, the Group said, “We strongly condemn the sham referenda that Russia attempts to use to create a phony pretext for changing the status of Ukrainian sovereign territory, which is subject to an ongoing Russian aggression.” The Group charged that the action violated United Nations Charter and international law.
They said the referenda has no legal effect or legitimacy. “We will never recognise these referenda which appear to be a step toward Russian annexation and we will never recognise a purported annexation if it occurs,” the Group led by Germany said in a statement.
G7 countries expressed their strong support to Ukraine and added that they would continue to provide financial, humanitarian, military, diplomatic and legal support to the war-torn country. The Group also called out Russia for its 'irresponsible' nuclear rhetoric.
