With the G7 summit underway at Hiroshima, Japan, the world leaders are planning to impose new sanctions on Russia. In a new round of sanctions, the United Kingdom (UK) has announced a ban on Russian diamonds and imports of metals from Russia including copper, aluminium and nickel in support for Ukraine.
Britain is also targeting an additional 86 members and companies from Russian President Vladimir Putin's military industrial complex, in addition to those involved in energy, metals and shipping industries, read the statement issued by the UK government.
As UK continues to engage with G7 allies to tackle all types of sanctions...they include those supporting the Kremlin to actively undermine the impact of existing sanctions, said the statement.
Even the United States (US) is planning to announce their fresh sanctions on Russia at the summit. US is also urging other G7 countries to impose new sanctions on Russia.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will also issue a warning against complacency in preserving "our ideals and against despotic governments”, said the UK government.
"To date we have sanctioned over 1,500 individuals and entities, freezing more than 18 billion euros of assets in the UK, and sanctioned over 20 billion euros of UK-Russia goods trade," said the statement.
One of the top agendas for discussions in the summit is Ukraine war, which has now entered in its 15th month.
The last year's G7 summit also saw Ukraine war dominating the agenda. G7 leeaders was appalled the illegal war of aggression. Financial, military, humanitarian aids were promised by the G7 leaders to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russia's aerial assault on Ukraine is progressing. Officials said that Russian warplanes was seen in the air threatening of air strikes in various regions. Even drone attack was launched by the Russia in Kyiv on Thursday night. However, no causalities was reported so far.
Leaders of Japan, the United States, Germany, Britain, France, Canada and Italy begins their Group of Seven (G7) summit on Friday in Hiroshima.
Zelenskyy to join the summit virtually
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will join the G7 summit virtually. Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council confirmed on Friday that Zelenskyy would attend the summit.
During his visit to Ukraine in March, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida had invited Zelenskyy to the G7 summit.
PM Modi leaves for Japan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Japan to attend the G7 summit scheduled to be held from May 19-21.
Modi on Friday said that his presence at the G7 summit is particularly meaningful as India currently holds the G20 presidency.
"Looking forward to a healthy exchange of views on diverse global subjects," Modi tweeted.
"After the Japan visit, will be in Papua New Guinea to take part in the FIPIC Summit, a vital forum to boost multilateral cooperation. There will be productive deliberations on subjects such as sustainable development, climate change, healthcare and more," he said in his tweet.
PM Modi is set to visit Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia for a six-day tour.
