Joint Statement on Aggression by the Russian Federation Against Ukraine - WTO

JOINT STATEMENT ON AGGRESSION BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AGAINST UKRAINE WITH THE SUPPORT OF BELARUS

COMMUNICATION FROM ALBANIA; AUSTRALIA; CANADA; EUROPEAN UNION; ICELAND; JAPAN; REPUBLIC OF KOREA; MOLDOVA; MONTENEGRO; NEW ZEALAND; NORTH MACEDONIA; NORWAY; UNITED KINGOM AND UNITED STATES

We, WTO Members, stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and are united in condemning in the strongest possible terms the Russian Federation’s military assault on Ukraine, which is supported by Belarus.  We consider that the Russian Federation’s actions are an unprovoked, premeditated attack against a sovereign democratic state, and an egregious violation of international law, the UN Charter, and fundamental principles of international peace and security. These actions call into serious question the respect of the Russian Federation for all international institutions, disciplines, and norms.

Together, we insist that the Russian Federation urgently stops the military aggression and immediately withdraws its troops.  We are firmly convinced that the Russian Federation must be held accountable and stop undermining democracy, global stability and international law.

We will take any actions, as WTO Members, that we each consider necessary to protect our essential security interests.  These may include actions in support of Ukraine, or actions to suspend concessions or other obligations with respect to the Russian Federation, such as the suspension of most-favoured-nation treatment to products and services of the Russian Federation.

Furthermore, in light of Belarus’ material support to the actions of the Russian Federation, we consider that its accession process is suspended and will not participate in any accession-related work.

Finally, we will continue to call on the Russian Federation to live up to its responsibility to maintain international peace and security.