G8 countries halt preparations for summit in Sochi

Russia’s partners from the Group of Eight have halted preparations for a G8 summit, scheduled to take place in Sochi on June 4-5, says the written statement of the Group of Seven major industrialized countries. The statement was distributed by the press service of the US White House.

"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. According to the authors of the document, Russia has violated its obligations under the UN Charter and its 1997 basing agreement with Ukraine.

“We call on Russia to address any ongoing security or human rights concerns that it has with Ukraine through direct negotiations, and/or via international observation or mediation under the auspices of the UN or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. We stand ready to assist with these efforts,” the document says.