Quad ministers call for a lasting, lawful peace in Ukraine and warn against impunity
During a gathering in Delhi, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Russia should face consequences for its actions in Ukraine and should not be allowed to act with immunity. The remark came as he met with foreign ministers from Australia, Japan, and India as part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad. The group issued a joint statement underscoring the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with international law and the UN Charter. It also condemned the use of nuclear weapons and all nuclear threats as unacceptable conduct on the world stage.
Blazing a warning to potential aggressors, Blinken said that letting Russia operate freely in Ukraine without accountability would signal to others that aggression can go unpunished, a sentiment reported by Reuters. The message echoed a broader concern shared by the Quad about preserving international norms and deterring violations against sovereign borders.
Earlier, at a separate G20 foreign ministers meeting in Delhi that wrapped up on Thursday, nearly all participants condemned Russia’s actions, with the notable exceptions of Russia and China. Indian authorities, who chaired the conference, confirmed this stance, highlighting a unified expectation that violence in Ukraine should end and that responsible states uphold the rules-based order.
In the margins of the same G20 gathering, Blinken briefly spoke with Sergei Lavrov, the head of Russia’s Foreign Ministry. It marked the first direct encounter between the two since Moscow’s invasion began in February 2022. According to a State Department briefing, Blinken urged Russia to consider rejoining the New START treaty and communicated that the United States would support Ukraine for as long as it takes, a commitment relayed by a senior official to reporters.
The Quad ministers also voiced serious concern about the militarization of disputed maritime areas, a reference many observers interpreted as tension tied to China’s regional actions. They condemned North Korea’s missile tests and called for an end to violence and the prompt release of individuals detained by Myanmar’s military authorities amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Context surrounding the dialogues shows a broad international effort to reinforce norms against aggression and to seek peaceful resolution through dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law. While discussions among major powers continue, the shared objective remains clear: a path toward stability and security that respects national sovereignty and human rights across the region.