The Group of Seven developed countries have agreed that they will impose new sanctions on Russia over the crisis in Ukraine, with a senior US official saying they could come as early as Monday.
“We have now agreed that we will move swiftly to impose additional sanctions on Russia,” a joint statement said.
“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 statement praised the “restraint” with which the new government in Kiev had acted in dealing with the pro-Russian gunmen who have seized official buildings in the east of Ukraine.