G7 leaders declare their support for Ukraine and call on Russia to stop hostilities and withdraw troops without further delay.

"We, the Leaders of the G7, met today in Brussels at the invitation of the German G7 Presidency, to further strengthen our cooperation in light of Russia's unjustifiable, unprovoked and illegal aggression and President Putin's war of choice against independent and sovereign Ukraine. We will stand with the government and people of Ukraine," according to the statement released following the meeting held in Brussels on Thursday.

They said they were "united in our resolve to restore peace and stability and uphold international law." "Following the United Nations General Assembly resolution on 2 March 2022, we will continue to stand with the overwhelming majority of the international community, in condemning Russia's military aggression and the suffering and loss of life it continues to cause," the leaders said.

According to the statement also the G7 "appalled by and condemn the devastating attacks on the Ukrainian population and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools." "We welcome the investigations of international mechanisms, including by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. We will work together to support the gathering of evidence of war crimes. The siege of Mariupol and other Ukrainian cities, and the denial of humanitarian access by Russian military forces are unacceptable. Russian forces must immediately provide for safe pathways to other parts of Ukraine, as well as humanitarian aid to be delivered to Mariupol and other besieged cities," the leaders said.

They also insist that the Russian leadership without any further delay, comply with the order of the International Court of Justice to suspend hostilities that it commenced on February 24 on the territory of Ukraine. "We also urge Russia to withdraw its military forces and equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine," the leaders said in the statement.

In addition, the G7 leaders called upon the Belarusian authorities to avoid further escalation and refrain from using their armed forces against Ukraine. "Moreover, we urge all countries not to give military or other assistance to Russia to help continue its aggression in Ukraine. We will be vigilant regarding any such assistance. We will spare no efforts to hold President Putin and the architects and supporters of this aggression, including the Lukashenko regime in Belarus, accountable for their actions. To this end, we will continue to work together, along with our allies and partners around the world," the officials said.