By North America correspondent Jane Cowan
Updated 4 hours 9 minutes ago
ABC NEWS
G7 leaders have condemned the "continuing violation" of Ukraine's sovereignty by Russia.
The US and its allies have used the first Group of Seven (G7) industrial nations meeting without Russia in 17 years to condemn Moscow's actions in Ukraine.
The meeting took place in Brussels rather than the Black Sea resort of Sochi - a snub to Russia which was supposed to have hosted the G8 and was the first G7 summit since Russia was expelled after its annexation of Crimea.
In a joint statement, the G7 condemned the "continuing violation" of Ukraine's sovereignty by Russia.
"We are united in condemning the Russian Federation's continuing violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," the United States, Germany, Japan, France, Britain, Italy and Canada said in the statement.
"Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, and actions to destabilise eastern Ukraine, are unacceptable and must stop."
That message was reinforce by US president Barack Obama, who said Russia's economy was already suffering and would only suffer more if Russian president Vladimir Putin did not change behaviour.
"If Russia's provocations continue, it's clear from our discussions here that the G7 nations are ready to impose additional costs on Russia," Mr Obama said.
Mr Putin will meet the French, German and British leaders on the sidelines of the D-Day anniversary ceremony in France, but it appears unlikely that he will see Mr Obama.
Asked at an event in St. Petersburg how he felt about being excluded from the G8 for the first time since joining the club in 1997, Mr Putin was typically pointed, barely breaking stride to speak to Kremlin reporters as he left a meeting.
"I would like to wish them bon appetit," he said, before walking away swiftly.
Putin welcome at G20 in Brisbane: Abbott
Mr Putin will however be welcome at this year's G20 summit in Brisbane, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said.
While Mr Abbott shares serious concerns over Russia's role in Ukraine, he said there was no indication Mr Putin would not be invited to the summit in November.
"The G20 is an economic meeting whereas the G7 or G8 has tended to have a very strong security component," Mr Abbott said from France ahead of Friday's 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
"Obviously there are very grave concerns about the behaviour of Russia in Ukraine and I can understand why G7 leaders were reluctant to sit down with president Putin at this time.
"But when it comes to the prosperity of the world, when it comes to the management of international finances, when it comes to harmonisation of taxation rules, when it comes to trying to promote global growth, I think it is best if we can include Russia.
"So at this point in time, I'm expecting Russia to be well and truly be part of the G20 in November."
G7 unity questioned
Yet despite efforts to present a united front against Russia's seizure of Crimea and its tacit support for actions in eastern Ukraine, there remain chinks in the G7's armour when it comes to hitting where it hurts.
France, which has come under pressure from the United States to cancel a contract to sell Russia two Mistral warships, appeared to win the argument, with Mr Obama acknowledging the deal would probably go ahead despite his objections.
Japan, which geopolitically has less interest in Ukraine, struck a conciliatory note, saying dialogue with Russia remained the best approach.
"I want Russia to be involved in various issues concerning the international community in a constructive manner," prime minister Shinzo Abe said.
"That's what the world desires too. To this end I'm hoping to continue dialogue with president Putin."
EU leaders said they would closely monitor Russia's actions over the coming weeks and take a decision at a summit at the end of June on whether there was a need for further measures.
"Should events so require, we stand ready to intensify targeted sanctions and to consider additional measures," said European Council president Herman Van Rompuy, who chairs EU summits and coordinates the position of EU member states.
ABC/Reuters
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