Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked the leaders of the G7 countries (the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, and Japan) for supporting Ukraine's independence and sovereignty.

This was reported on the website of the President of Ukraine.

They called on Russia to act in accordance with its international obligations, to withdraw troops and weapons from the eastern border of Ukraine and on the Crimean peninsula.

"We remain firmly of the view that Russia is a party to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, not a mediator," the G7 leaders said in a communique.

They also backed the Normandy negotiation process.

In addition, they called on Russia and illegal armed formations to commit to a ceasefire.