Merkel: G8 no longer exists

Russia will face more EU sanctions if it does not change its course.

Russia's actions in Ukraine mean the G8 doesn't exist anymore, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, BBC reports.

The EU leaders meet in Brussels on Thursday to discuss further targeted sanctions following Russia's decision to annex Crimea.

The meeting takes place as UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon visits Moscow, where he and the Russian leaders will try to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

The EU will “draw consequences" for the political relations between the EU and Russia, as well as for relations between the G7 and Russia, Merkel has said.

“It is obvious: as long as the political context for such an important format like the G8 does not apply, as is the case at the moment, the G8 doesn't exist anymore,” she says.

She adds Russia will face a third stage of sanctions if it doesn't change its course.

“They will without a doubt include economic sanctions,” she added.

Photo: zn.ua