G7 to not recognise sham referendums by Russia in Ukraine, says German Foreign Minister

Amid ongoing raging war in Eastern, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that Group of Seven (G7) will not accept "pseudo-referendums" that Russia is preparing to hold in occupied territories of Ukraine. She furr stated that intergovernmental forum will also impose furr sanctions on Russia for doing same in Ukrainian region. Notably, G7 consists of nations like Germany, France, Cana, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and United States. " G7 members will also "pursue furr targeted sanctions" on Russia if referendums take place, Baerbock stated, as per  press release by German Foreign Office. 

German Foreign Minister's remarks came after Russian-controlled regions in eastern and sourn Ukraine declared plans to hold referendums in order to join Russia. According to reports, referendums are expected to start on September 23 in regions such as Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Meanwhile, Russian President Vlimir has pledged to ensure a conducive environment to hold referendums in those regions. 

"We will do everything to ensure safe conditions to hold referendums so that people can express ir will. We will also support decision on ir future, which will be me by majority of residents in se regions," Putin stated, as per Associated Press (AP). 

G7 asks Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty & territorial integrity

Meanwhile, G7 has warned that any acquisition of Ukrainian territory would be a flagrant infraction of both UN Charter and Ukraine's sovereignty. y also urged all States to categorically reject any such referendums and also asked to not acknowledge ir outcomes. "Russia must immediately stop its aggression, withdraw its troops and military equipment from Ukraine and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders," G7 said in a statement. 

Zelenskky presents 5-point 'peace formula' to punish aggression

It is pertinent to mention here that war between Russia and Ukraine continues unabated for nearly seven months now. Since onset of war on February 24, both warring nations have also held several rounds of peace negotiations. However, y have all failed to yield desired results. 

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dressed United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, and outlined a 5-point "peace formula" to punish aggression amid ongoing conflict. Ukraine's peace formula intends to punish aggression, protect life, restore security and territorial integrity, guarantee security, and highlight importance of determination.

Image: AP