INTERNATIONAL: Leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized nations have warned Russia not to use biological, chemical or nuclear weapons in its war with Ukraine, they have said in statement released after talks in Brussels on Thursday.

"We warn against any threat of the use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons or related material," said the leaders in a joint statement released by Germany.

All countries were ready to welcome refugees from Ukraine, they have said.

On energy, the leaders have called on oil- and gas-producing countries to act responsibly and boost supplies to international markets, adding that OPEC had a role to play in this. They have also said they would avoid food export bans.