Leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized nations will hold a meeting in Brussels next Thursday alongside an emergency summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to discuss measures against Russia for its continued aggression in Ukraine, the German government said Friday.

Japan is the only country in the G-7 -- comprising also Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United States -- which is not a member of NATO. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to travel to the Belgian capital, according to diplomatic sources.

According to the sources, the G-7 summit will be led by U.S. President Joe Biden, who is aiming to demonstrate unity not only within the framework of NATO but also the G-7 to keep up pressure on Russia.

The G-7 leaders are expected to discuss additional sanctions and other measures against Russia and Belarus, which is aiding the aggression, as well as exchange views on how to stabilize the energy market, including the soaring price of crude oil.

Increasing aid to Ukraine and support for neighboring countries accepting Ukrainian refugees are also likely to be on the agenda, the sources said.

Regarding Japan's stand against Moscow in line with other members of the G-7, Kishida will explain his government's policy of increasing economic pressure on Russia, according to the sources.

Leaders of the G-7 held a virtual summit on Feb. 24, the day Russia moved ahead with a large-scale attack on Ukraine, to coordinate their responses to the crisis.

Foreign ministers from the G-7 met virtually Thursday, where they agreed to keep up pressure on Russia and provide more humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.


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