U.S. demands that G7 abandon "antagonistic language" regarding Russia

G7 foreign ministers will meet in Quebec, Canada, on March 12-14, Reuters reported.

Canada had originally hoped the G7 would agree on a joint statement ranging from the war in Ukraine to the Middle East to China, as well as a second declaration outlining G7 efforts to counter Russia's so-called “shadow fleet.”

Agreeing a full communiqué this time around has proved very difficult, and some fear a compromise may not be found.

The US has sought to remove references to sanctions and Russia's war in Ukraine, while demanding tougher language on China.

The U.S. opposes a separate statement on Russia's “shadow fleet.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there are always contradictory points, adding that Washington cannot sign off on anything that would prevent Russia and Ukraine from coming to the negotiating table.

“We feel that the language of antagonism sometimes makes it difficult to bring the parties to the negotiating table, especially since we are now the only ones who seem to be able to make such negotiations possible,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the G7 would eventually agree on a document that would be meaningful and unifying without undermining our ability to bring both sides to the negotiating table.

Photo: ua.usembassy.gov.