Douglas Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, responding to Russia’s veto of the draft UN Security Council resolution, said:

“The recent violence and loss of life witnessed in Ukraine is a further warning of the urgent need to secure a de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution to this crisis.

"The referendum due to take place this weekend is in violation of the Ukrainian constitution. President Putin must accept this, or risk steps that isolate Russia both diplomatically and economically.

"At the meeting of the UN Security Council on Saturday Russia’s isolation was laid bare, but if President Putin refuses to change course the EU foreign ministers meeting on Monday must urgently agree targeted penalties - including asset freezes and travel bans - in order to make clear that Russia’s clear violation of international law does result in both costs and consequences.

"Labour has also called for Russia to be suspended from the G8 group of the world’s largest economies, and unless President Putin changes course, then this step should be taken by the G7.”