The G7 “Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine,” issued at the NATO summit yesterday is an absolutely a delusional document that is exemplary of the dangers involved, based as it is on numerous myths, two of which stand out: that Russia is solely responsible for all the evils in the world; and (the cartoonish idea) that NATO is engaged in a titanic battle between “autocracies and democracies.”
“We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the strategic objective of a free, independent, democratic, and sovereign Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders, capable of defending itself and deterring future aggression,” the declaration says. “We consider Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine to be a threat to international peace and security, a flagrant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and incompatible with our security interests. We will stand with Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression, for as long as it takes.”
“Today we are launching negotiations with Ukraine to formalize — through bilateral security commitments and arrangements aligned with this multilateral framework, in accordance with our respective legal and constitutional requirements — our enduring support to Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity, rebuilds its economy, protects its citizens, and pursues integration into the Euro-Atlantic community,” it reports. With a “commitment” like that, who needs NATO membership, with its bureaucratic constraints like Article 5 and the requirement for unanimity on the North Atlantic Council.
So, the declaration commits the G7, and anyone else foolish enough to sign on, to working with the Kiev regime “on specific, bilateral, long-term security commitments.” The first objective is “Ensuring a sustainable force capable of defending Ukraine now and deterring Russian aggression in the future” through unending military and security assistance; “Strengthening Ukraine’s economic stability and resilience, including through reconstruction and recovery efforts, to create the conditions conducive to promoting Ukraine’s economic prosperity, including its energy security;” and thirdly, by “Providing technical and financial support for Ukraine’s immediate needs stemming from Russia’s war as well as to enable Ukraine to continue implementing the effective reform agenda that will support the good governance necessary to advance towards its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.”
“In addition to the elements articulated above, we remain committed to supporting Ukraine by holding Russia accountable,” that is, by using the ICC and other venues to hold to account those responsible for war crimes and other international crimes committed in and against Ukraine. “There must be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities. In this context, we reiterate our commitment to holding those responsible to account.” https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/g7-joint-declaration-of-support-for-ukraine-12-july-2023
