G7: Russia will have massive consequences if it invades Ukraine

“Russia should have no doubt that further military aggression against Ukraine would have massive consequences and serious costs in response”. They said 67.

The group called on Russia to “scale, follow diplomatic channels and honour its international commitments to transparency of military activities”.

Ukraine shares borders with the EU and Russia, but as a former Soviet republic it has deep social and cultural ties with Russia. However, Russia has accused Ukraine of provocation and has demanded guarantees against NATO's eastward enlargement and the deployment of weapons near its border.

On Thursday, Putin harshened his rhetoric on the situation in Ukraine, saying the war to the east of the country looked like genocide. Russia-backed rebels have fought against Ukrainian troops there since 2014, writes the BBC, broadcast Clankosova.tv.

We see and know what's going on in Donba. Of course it looks like genocide”, he said, referring to the conflict zone.

However, Putin told Biden during their conversation last week that Russian troops posed no threat to anyone, Russian media reported. On Tuesday, Beden and Putin held a virtual summit aimed at reducing tensions in the region.

Tensions are increasing as Moscow gathers troops at the Ukrainian border. Ukrainian authorities have said Moscow can plan a military offensive in late January, although American officials say it is not clear yet whether Putin has made a decision.