G7 leaders urge China to press

World leaders are seein Hiroshima on Saturday. Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

The G7 leaders have agreed to "support Ukraine for as long as it takes in the face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression," according to a joint statement Saturday.

"We commit to intensifying our diplomatic, financial, humanitarian, and military support for Ukraine, to increasing the costs to Russia and those supporting its war efforts," the group said, while affirming "unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it takes to bring a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace."

The leaders also called on China to press Russia to "immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine," and stop its military aggression.

"We encourage China to support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on territorial integrity and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, including through its direct dialogue with Ukraine," the communiqué said.

Some context: China has sought to portray itself as a peacemaker in the conflict, but is yet to call on Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory.

While Western leaders have hoped Chinese leader Xi Jinping might use his close rapport with Putin to end the war, analysts say that outcome is unlikely at this stage, given Beijing’s interests in maintaining its relationship with Russia.