U.S., Australia call on China and others to pressure Russia to end Ukraine war

The Pentagon made the call in a statement.

The statement was issued following talks between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and their Australian counterparts Penny Wong and Richard Marles.

“The principals called on all those with influence on Russia, particularly China, to exert it now to end the war and to cease support to Russia's defense industrial base,” the statement said.

The parties also emphasized that those who support Russia's illegal war will face consequences and reaffirmed their intention to increase sanctions against entities in third countries that materially support Russia's war. 

The leaders also condemned Russia's illegal war against Ukraine and called on Russia to withdraw its troops "immediately, completely and unconditionally" within Ukraine's internationally recognized borders. 

In addition, they called on Russia to pay for the damage it caused to Ukraine, noting that Russia is obliged to do so under international law. 

• The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the Sino-Brazilian "plan to end the war in Ukraine" had received a positive reaction from 110 countries.