The issue of Russia's return to the G8 countries (Group of Eight) can be discussed only after the settlement of the conflict in Donbas, the Italian ambassador to Ukraine Davide La Cecilia has said.

First of all it is necessary to wait for a peaceful settlement of the conflict, with particular attention to abidance of the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine, he said. Until the conflict is resolved, the G7 countries will not be able to give some kind of answer, he told reporters when asked about the possibility of the return to the G8 countries in Kyiv on Thursday.

The ambassador also noted that sanctions can exert pressure against Russia, but it is necessary to focus on the result - the solution of the conflict in Donbas.