Tough stance comes as Russian-backed militants continue fighting in east Ukraine

US Barack Obama has voiced strong criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a wrap-up of a G7 meeting in Bavaria where world leaders had earlier said that they are ready to step up sanctions against Moscow if a peace deal for the conflict in east Ukraine is not fulfilled.

Obama said: “Does he continue to wreck his country’s economy and continue Russia’s isolation in pursuit of a wrong-headed desire to recreate the glories of the Soviet empire? Or does he recognize that Russia’s greatness does not depend on violating the territorial integrity and sovereignty of other countries?”

The US president also issued what seemed like a warning for Russia saying that ‘additional steps’ would be taken if the Kremlin continues its aggressive policy towards Ukraine.

Read also Ukraine dominates agenda during first day of G7 summit

The tough stance towards Russia comes as fighting Ukrainian military and Russian-backed militants continues in east Ukraine.

Ukraine’s defense minister said on Monday that Russian-backed militants have deployed an army of more than 40,000 men to the occupied regions of east Ukraine.

Watch also Barack Obama addresses Ukraine at closing of G7