UK pulls out of talks on G8 summit over 'violation' of Ukraine's sovereignty
Britain has pulled out of preparatory talks due to be held in the coming days for the G8 summit in Sochi over Russia’s decision to take military action in Ukraine.
William Hague said the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine had been “violated” and called for Moscow to speak directly to the nation’s new leaders.
Pressure is mounting on Vladimir Putin after Russia yesterday authorised the use of troops, but so far the president has ignored the widespread international condemnation of his country’s aggression.
The British Foreign Secretary was due to attend discussions in the Black Sea resort paving the way for the June summit but the UK is now suspending its cooperation with the process.
Speaking from RAF Northolt as he was about to board a plane to Kiev, he said: “We have to recognise the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine has been violated and this cannot be the way to conduct international affairs and so, in addition to calling yesterday’s emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, the United Kingdom will join other G8 countries this week in suspending our cooperation under the G8, which Russia chairs this year, including the meetings this week for the preparation of the G8 summit.
“We will keep our approach to further G8 meetings under review.”
