France calls for suspension of G8 preparatory talks in Sochi

France wanted the suspension of this week's preparatory meetings for the G8 summit in Russia's Sochi in June, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on Sunday.

"France wishes the preparation for G8 Sochi should be suspended because our Russian partners are contrary to the principles of the G7 and G8," Fabius told local media.

"Our Russian partners must understand that if they continue, it will cost them," he added.

In an interview with Europe1, itele et le Monde, the French top diplomat expressed concerns over the "quite worrying" situation in Kiev, adding Paris and its European partners were taking steps to reach a "de-escalation."

"We condemn the Russian military escalation and want a mediation to be organized as soon as possible directly between Russians and Ukrainians, or through the UN or the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe)," he said.

With diplomatic support of Germany and Poland, France brokered a peace deal between Ukrainian officials and opposition and was ready to take part in a possible mediation to avoid a "foreign intervention" in Ukraine, according to Fabius.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that no decision had been made on sending troops to Ukraine, despite the Russian parliament approval.

European foreign ministers will meet on Monday to discuss the recent developments in Kiev.