In a statement issued today the leaders of the G7 country members and the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission urged Moscow to “cease all efforts to change the status of Crimea contrary to Ukrainian law and in violation of international law”. They then appealed to Russia to “de-escalate the conflict in Crimea and other parts of Ukraine immediately”, recall its troops to the bases they were stationed at before the crisis and “begin direct discussions with the government of Ukraine, and avail itself of international mediation”. The G7 leaders urged Russia to join them “in working together through diplomatic processes to resolve the current crisis and support progress for a sovereign independent, inclusive and united Ukraine”.
Referendum“with no legal effect”
“Any such referendum, the statement added, “would have no legal effect”, underscoring “the lack of adequate preparation and the intimidating presence of Russian troops…For all these reasons, we would not recognize the outcome”.
Italian Cooperation aid
The Directorate General for Development Cooperation, in accordance with the Directorate for Political Affairs of the foreign ministry, earmarked a 100,000-euro contribution to the Ukraine Red Cross as a concrete sign of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, as part of coordinated European actions in support of the Kiev government.
First instalment
An initial 50,000-euro instalment of that aid will go to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to cover an action plan drafted in the wake of the violent clashes of recent weeks. Italy’s contribution, as agreed with the Federation, will ensure coverage to the emergency plan drafted by the IFRC for support to the Ukraine Red Cross’s emergency assistance activities and will be coordinated in conjunction with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Italy’s contribution to Ukraine Red Cross
The Ukraine Red Cross continues to provide emergency medical and psychological assistance to the population in emergency centres set up in various provinces. Thanks also to Italy’s contribution, it will be possible to improve the Red Cross’s capacity for response through the training of 600 volunteers and 20 emergency centres around the country equipped with medical supplies. It will also be possible to strengthen the Ukraine Red Cross’s coordination with other national actors concerned, and improve radio communication between the aid points.