G7 leaders warn of increased sanctions against Russia

Leaders of the G7 industrial group met in Brussels (Belgium) and agreed to prepare measures to increase sanctions against Russia over the situation in Ukraine.

The West will increase sanctions against Russia if negotiations are ineffective.

The joint message of the G7 leaders condemned Moscow's continued violation of Ukraine's sovereignty. "We are united in condemning Russia's violation of Ukraine's sovereignty." This is also the first G7 summit in which Russia has been expelled from the group due to its annexation of Crimea to become part of the Russian Federation.

Responding to the G7 message, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev accused world leaders of openly supporting the military campaign against separatists in eastern Ukraine. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the West could not accept further instability in Ukraine.

Ms Merkel also agreed with Western leaders on a three-step approach, including economic support for Ukraine, negotiations with Russia and, if negotiations do not work, the West will use stronger sanctions.

On June 5, the leaders discussed economic plans, climate change and development. Although Mr Putin is not in Brussels, the Russian president is expected to hold talks with several G7 leaders, not including US President Barack Obama, in Paris.

However, Mr. Obama and Mr. Putin will attend a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France on June 6. While in Poland on a European tour on June 4, Mr. Obama warned that Russia was carrying out "dark" plots in Ukraine.

According to Hanoi Moi Online