Ukrainian diplomats call on G7 countries to force Russia respect world order

The Ukrainian Embassy in the USA calls on the leaders of the G7 countries not to back down from a principled position for the sake of the return of Russia to the G8. This was reported by the Embassy of Ukraine in the USA on its Facebook.

"We are concerned about the suggestion that Russia may be allowed back to the G7. Russia was excluded from this honorary club because of its attempted illegal annexation of Crimea and the use of force in violation of the rules and principles of international law. The Ukrainian peninsula is still under occupation, the human rights situation is constantly aggravating, the Russian aggression in Donbas continues while Russia itself is moving away from the principles and standards that unite the Group", - the statement says.

"We call on the leaders of the G7 countries to adhere to their fundamental position and to consolidate efforts to make the aggressor respect the world order and return to the constructive behavior", - the statement notes.

As previously reported, a French diplomatic source told the Reuters agency that Russia's return to the G8 depends on progress in peace talks on the situation in Ukraine.

Later, French President Emmanuel Macron clarified his position on returning to the G8 format with the participation of Russia. According to Macron, it would be a strategic mistake to return to the old format without resolving the crisis in Ukraine. Macron specified that invitation of Russia without any conditions can be perceived as a sign of G7 weakness. However, he allowed the possibility of the country's return to the international club in the future.