U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry warned Sunday that Russia could be expelled from the G-8 and face economic sanctions unless President Vladimir Putin stops his “incredible act of aggression” and withdraws military troops from Ukraine.

The Guardian reports:

Speaking as western nations began suspending preparations for a summit of the eight leading industrialised countries in the Russian city of Sochi in June, Kerry said Moscow could be forced out of the group altogether and face a string of other penalties.

“He is not going to have a Sochi G8, he may not even remain in the G8 if this continues,” Kerry told NBC’s Meet the Press. “He may find himself with asset freezes, on Russian business, American business may pull back, there may be a further tumble of the ruble.”

Claiming Moscow was already isolated in the face of united condemnation from western allies, Kerry told ABC’s This Week that Putin was inviting “very serious repercussions” such as visa bans and asset freezes for Russian leaders and even economic sanctions.

On CBS’s Face the Nation, he reiterated: “They’re prepared to put sanctions in place, they’re prepared to isolate Russia economically.”

Read more here.

— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly.

 Dig, Root, Grow

This year, we’re all on shaky ground, and the need for independent journalism has never been greater. A new administration is openly attacking free press — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Your support is more than a donation. It helps us dig deeper into hidden truths, root out corruption and misinformation, and grow an informed, resilient community.

Independent journalism like Truthdig doesn't just report the news — it helps cultivate a better future.

Your tax-deductible gift powers fearless reporting and uncompromising analysis. Together, we can protect democracy and expose the stories that must be told.

Dig. Root. Grow. Cultivate a better future.

Donate today.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG
In this Article:
#john kerry#russia#secretary of state#ukraine#vladimir putin