Moscow  - Russia on Friday rejected the criticism of fellow G8 members as biased and orchestrated to justify Georgian "aggression," but said it aimed to keep its spot among the world's top industrialized nations.

The G7 foreign ministers roundly condemned this week for recognizing of Georgia's separatist regions as a violation of the former Soviet state's sovereignty.

"The claim alleging that Russia's decision questions its commitments to peace and security in the Caucasus does not stand up to examination," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement posted on its website.

The statement reiterated Moscow grievance that its position in the conflict has been ignored by the international community and western media.

Russia has thrown more punches at the West since being ostracized by the international community over its military foray into Georgia.

As tempers flared, Russia's powerful ex-president Vladimir Putin accused the United States of plotting the conflict to sweeten political campaign battles at home.

He said Russia's continued cooperation on trade and security issues were in jeopardy.

But the foreign ministry statement Friday also struck a compromising note, saying it was "ready for open and sincere exchanges."

"Russia confirms its disposition to constructive interaction within the framework of the G8 group," the ministry's statement said.

The Group of Eight, besides Russia, includes the G7 group of the world's leading industrial nations of the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada. (dpa)