The Arctic Council has suspended its operation over Russia's action in Ukraine, its members said in a joint statement on Thursday.

"Our states are temporarily pausing participation in all meetings of the Council and its subsidiary bodies, pending consideration of the necessary modalities that can allow us to continue the Council's important work in view of the current circumstances," the statement said.

The Council is currently presided over by Russia, which holds the rotating presidency from May 2021 until May 2023. Other members are Denmark, Iceland, Canada, Norway, the United States, Finland and Sweden.