LONDON, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Britain will pull out of this week's G8 preparatory talks in Sochi, Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Sunday.

"The United Kingdom will join other G8 countries this week in suspending our co-operation under the G8, which Russia chairs this year, including ... meetings this week for the preparation of the G8 summit," Hague said.

Hague announced the decision as he was to fly to Kiev for talks with the new Ukrainian leaders.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that no decision had been made on sending troops to Ukraine, despite the Russian parliament approval.

European foreign ministers will meet on Monday to discuss the recent developments in Kiev.