The G7 group of leading economic powers warned Russia on Monday to "cease its provocations" on its border with Ukraine.

The seven foreign ministers, including top diplomats from the US, Germany and the UK, said they were "deeply concerned" by the build-up of Russian military forces on Ukraine’s borders and in Crimea.

"These large-scale troop movements, without prior notification, represent threatening and destabilizing activities," the statement said.

What is the background to the conflict?
Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in February 2014 before annexing it through a referendum that has been widely rejected by the international community, including the United Nations.

Read more: Deutsche Welle