G7 condemns Russia's intrusion into Ukraine, halts G8 preparations - White House
3 March 2014, 04:59
The Group of Seven major industrialized nations on Sunday condemned Russia's intrusion into Ukraine and canceled for now preparations for the G8 summit that includes Russia and had been scheduled to take place in Sochi in June, the White House said.
'We, the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States and the President of the European Council and President of the European Commission, join together today to condemn the Russian Federation's clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,' the G7 said in a statement.
'We have decided for the time being to suspend our participation in activities associated with the preparation of the scheduled G8 Summit in Sochi in June,' the group said.
G7 finance ministers say ready to aid Ukraine
Finance ministers from the Group of Seven developed nations said on Sunday they were prepared to provide 'strong financial backing to Ukraine' and that support from the International Monetary Fund will be critical in unlocking other aid.
'We are united in our commitment to provide strong financial backing to Ukraine,' the G7 ministers said in a joint statement.
Britain warns Russia of 'significant costs' over Ukraine
British Prime Minister David Cameron warned President Vladimir Putin on Sunday that Russia would pay significant costs unless the Kremlin changed course on Ukraine.
Cameron said he had agreed with US President Barack Obama that Russia's actions in Ukraine were completely unacceptable, a Downing Street spokesman said.
'They agreed that Russia's actions were completely unacceptable. They agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation and for Russia to engage in a dialogue directly with Ukraine,' the spokesman said.
'They agreed there must be 'significant costs' to Russia if it did not change course on Ukraine,' the spokesman said.
US focus is on economic, political steps on Ukraine, not military - official
The United States is focused on economic, diplomatic and political measures to get Russia to reverse its intervention in Ukraine, not on military options, a senior US official told reporters.
Voice of Russia, Reuters
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