The summit “the Big seven” held on 26 and 27 may in Taormina (Sicily, Italy), ended with the adoption of the final Declaration on the main issues on which the parties failed to reach agreement. This time, obviously, such issues as never a bit the whole Declaration together on only six pages, which is much shorter than the Declaration after all other summits “the Seven”.
The document noted the importance of the fight against terrorism, strengthening of confrontation between ISIS in Syria and Iraq. They also spoke about the economic situation in the world and cooperation with African countries. And on trade and climate change the parties were not so easy to reach consensus.
Also in the Declaration of the “Big seven” has reflected the problem of Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The document said that to solve it is possible only by full implementation of the Minsk agreements by both parties, it was emphasized that the responsibility for this conflict lies with Russia. “Seven” also confirmed the immutability of its position: support the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia. And, besides, at the summit “the Big seven” Russia has threatened tougher sanctions in case of failure to fulfil obligations.
“Sanctions can be rolled back if Russia will fulfill its obligations. However, we also are ready to take additional measures to increase the financial losses of Russia, if its actions so require”, — stated in the Declaration.
Experts told the “Glavred”, what was important for Ukraine summit “the Big seven” and the position of the participating countries on the situation in our country, articulated in the outcome document.
Political analyst at the Institute for Euro-Atlantic cooperation Vladimir Gorbach:
Meetings like the summit “the Big seven” always end with the adoption of a Memorandum of the Declaration or communiqué. And formally judge the results of the meeting can be on the contents of this document.
This year is a very short document, which lists only those positions for which all the participants of the summit agreed. But if you compare with the previous outcome documents, we can say that the issues on which the parties failed to reach an agreement together on a much smaller number of pages than usual.
For Ukraine in this situation, the most important would be the demonstration of the unity of the Western world, which, in fact, in Italy, in Taormina, has not happened. Separate the American position, as expressed in the figure of President trump, not possible to assess unambiguously the summit as successful, from the point of view of ability to develop a unified and General solution. Ukraine is concerned only indirectly, because anything bad for our country at this summit did not happen.
The only thing that gives now the alarm is likely to lose the unity of the West. This may harm Ukraine, while maintaining a unified position in opposition to Russia. Even just the unity of the European Union and the United States of America is a big plus for our country, and when it is questioned, it is clear that we should care.
By and large, previous decisions on the introduction of economic sanctions against Russia for Crimea, for Donbass and downed Boeing previously kept consistent between the US and the EU, and was introduced almost simultaneously — not once, but almost each other. So now you can focus on the fact that Russia threatens in case of failure of the Minsk agreements with new sanctions, but because they are not strengthened, the decisions about this — there is only language about the condition under which this happens.
So now it’s just rhetoric. For Ukraine it is good rhetoric, but it’s only words. Besides, this is nothing new, because before Western countries talked about the continuation of the sanctions or the possibility of their amplification in the case that Russia will not implement the agreement. So this rhetoric was already in the information space and in the relations of the West with Russia. But it’s all good, because there were concerns before the summit that such rhetoric is not, or it will weaken. The rhetoric has survived, and Ukraine suggests that there is hope.
The head of the Board of the Center for applied political studies “Penta” Volodymyr Fesenko:
Declaration of the summit “the Big seven”, in principle, were positive for Ukraine. In fact, this summit and adopted at the end of the Declaration confirmed that the position of the “Big seven” on Ukraine and on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict (and the Donbass, and Crimea). That the position is fixed.
Also recorded the extension of sanctions against Russia, and even announced that in case of default by Russia of its obligations, the “Big seven” can take additional measures. In fact, this hint at the possibility of strengthening sanctions. Honestly, I would not have waited for the strengthening of sanctions, but very important phrase about their possible continuation is essential.
Also, traditionally there was the thesis about binding sanctions to the implementation of the Minsk agreements. However, to be objective that the summit “the Big seven” urged both parties to implement the Minsk agreements.
In saying that responsibility for the conflict in Ukraine lies on Russia, is nothing new. If the world were not recognized Russia’s responsibility for the conflict or for the annexation of the Crimea, there would be no sanctions. So this confirms the position previously stated.
Why there is no concrete decision following the summit? And what could be specific? First, in the declarations there is a reality, because it is only a Declaration, a General document. Moreover, we know that in connection with the phenomenon of trump and the peculiarity of his position was very difficult to formulate the text of the Declaration. Because there were fundamental disagreements on a range of issues. They say that they were on the issue of sanctions against Russia. Trump is a special position.
Second, it is important that the position of the countries “Big seven”. Those who are waiting for new sanctions and financial blockade of Russia — naive people who inadequately assess the situation. In this case, from the United States and Europe can be expected to at least maintain the current sanctions against Russia. Can expect increased sanctions — to put it mildly, somewhat irrational. Because the conflict is delayed. And, besides, many politicians in Europe and the United States advocated for an easing of sanctions. Therefore, you should be realistic and not to expect any extraordinary decisions and some specifics. Specifics right now are in the form of sanctions, and the Minsk agreements. And anything else is not offered.
Political analyst Alexander paly:
Appeared at the summit “the Big seven” the Declaration has proved that, despite the various contradictions that exist between the Western countries on the issue of Ukraine still managed to achieve consensus and a common position. This is the first positive. We have seen that no special discussions on this issue were not, especially that would have been imposed on the public, unlike, for example, on issues of climate change.
Russia all the time with excuses and proves that it is in no way involved in the conflict in the Donbas. However, the summit proved that nobody believed in the Declaration clearly stated that Russia is involved, and the onus is on her. This is the second positive.
In addition, it is important for us that allowed the possibility of strengthening sanctions against Russia in case of deterioration of the situation in the East of Ukraine.
The entire statement on Ukraine was issued in the correct tone and logic. I wouldn’t call it confrontational, but Russia sees it as pressure on her. Moscow understands that between the statement about the possibility of strengthening sanctions and their actual imposition takes some time, so now she’s trying to show that it is not afraid and that serious sanctions are not perceived. Just the shelling of Krasnohorivka on the weekend and was a demonstration that Russia could maintain any level of violence, despite external pressure.
But this is just bravado. As soon as it comes to imposing new sanctions, Russia will immediately change the tone. While there are talks, Russia flaunts.
