The West’s dispute with Russia is expected to dominate G7 meetings in The Hague, Netherlands over a two day summit which begins today.  Prime Minister Stephen Harper is there and has strongly suggested that Russia be expelled from the G8 for illegally annexing Crimea from Ukraine.  U.S. President Obama, also in attendance, has underscored that Europe and the U.S. are united in their support of Ukraine and their intentions to impose a cost on Russia for its actions.  “Growing sanctions would bring significant consequences to the Russian economy,” Obama explained, “and I’ll be meeting with my fellow G7 leaders later today and will continue to coordinate closely with The Netherlands and our European partners as we go forward.”

Meantime, Ukraine’s Defence Ministry says two Ukrainian servicemen have been taken captive after Russian forces stormed another Ukrainian military base on the Crimean Peninsula.  Russian forces have now seized most military bases in Crimea.