G7 calls on Russia to agree to Ukraine ceasefire - Joint Statement

WASHINGTON: The Group of Seven (G7) nations has urged Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine, warning that further sanctions will be imposed if Moscow refuses, RIA Novosti reported.

"We called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully.

"We discussed imposing further costs on Russia in case such a ceasefire is not agreed, including through further sanctions, caps on oil prices, as well as additional support for Ukraine, and other means," the G7 said in a joint statement issued on Friday.

The countries also warned that they may use exceptional revenues generated from frozen Russian sovereign assets as part of potential measures against Moscow.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was open to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, as proposed by the United States (US).

However, he emphasised that the ceasefire would only be acceptable if it led to a lasting peace and addressed the root causes of the conflict.

-- BERNAMA