The Russian Federation has today announced its intention to leave the G8 group of nations, two years after it was suspended by the group over its illegal annexation of Crimea.

The group, created in 1998 comprises the worlds 8 richest nations based on GDP per capita and includes the United States, the UK and Canada.

Kremlin spokesperson Dimitri Peskov confirmed that the Russian president Vladimir Putin was shifting his priorities away from the G8 to greater participation in the G20 group of nations.

Mr Peskov said “We’ve not heard the heads of state that keep gathering for G7 meetings ever say anything that might sound like an intention to invite Russia or some other countries. As far as Russia is concerned, regardless of any eventual proposals and invitations, Russia’s priority is participation in the G20.”

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev echoed the Kremlins comments “It is clear what this Group of Seven means without other major economies: ‘Nothing’.”

The move further ostracises Russia from the western powers and comes after Wednesdays remarks about Russian hacking by the US President Elect, Donald Trump.