G-7 to impose additional sanctions on Russia

Expressing deep concern at continued Russia-backed efforts to destabilise eastern Ukraine, leaders of the G-7 countries said they have decided to impose additional sanctions on Moscow.

The G-7 comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US.

The President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission also signed the joint statement issued by G-7 countries, hours after US President Barack Obama spoke with leaders of Germany, France, Britain and Italy.

"We have now agreed that we will move swiftly to impose additional sanctions on Russia. Given the urgency of securing the opportunity for a successful and peaceful democratic vote next month in Ukraine's presidential elections, we have committed to act urgently to intensify targeted sanctions and measures to increase the costs of Russia's actions," the joint statement said.

In the statement, the leaders expressed their deep concern at the continued efforts by separatists backed by Russia to destabilise eastern Ukraine and their commitment to taking further steps to ensure a peaceful and stable environment for the May 25 presidential election.

"We welcomed the positive steps taken by Ukraine to meet its commitments under the Geneva accord of April 17 by Ukraine, Russia, the European Union, and the United States," they said.

These actions include working towards constitutional reform and decentralisation, proposing an amnesty law for those who peacefully leave the buildings they have seized in eastern Ukraine, and supporting the work of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

The government of Ukraine has acted with restraint in dealing with the armed bands illegally occupying government buildings and forming illegal checkpoints, they said and added that in contrast, Russia has taken no concrete actions in support of the Geneva accord.

"It (Russia) has not publicly supported the accord, nor condemned the acts of pro-separatists seeking to destabilise Ukraine, nor called on armed militants to leave peacefully the government buildings they've occupied and put down their arms.

"Instead, it has continued to escalate tensions by increasingly concerning rhetoric and ongoing threatening military manoeuvres on Ukraine's border," the statement said.

"We reiterate our strong condemnation of Russia's illegal attempt to annex Crimea and Sevastopol, which we do not recognise. We will now follow through on the full legal and practical consequences of this illegal annexation, including but not limited to the economic, trade and financial areas," they said.