Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is expected to tell the other Group of Seven leaders that Japan will continue its strong support for Ukraine and strict sanctions against Russia.

The G7 summit opened on Thursday in Puglia in southern Italy.

Kishida was greeted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the summit venue before attending a morning session on African development and climate change.

The session on Ukraine is scheduled for the afternoon, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attending in person.

Kishida is expected to stress the importance of realizing a lasting peace in Ukraine at an early date.

The prime minister also plans to reiterate Japan's policy to continue aid to Ukraine as well as tough sanctions on Russia.

Kishida is to address the concern that China is providing Russia with materials that could be converted for military use.

He is expected to explain Tokyo's plan to impose new sanctions on organizations suspected of involvement in the provision of such materials. Those subject to sanctions could include businesses in China.

He also plans to convey Japan's stance on what to do with Russian assets that have been frozen under international sanctions.

Kishida is scheduled to have separate talks with Zelenskyy later in the day. They are set to conclude a bilateral cooperation document.

The deal is expected to spell out Japan's continued assistance for the reconstruction of Ukraine, including removal of landmines and improving energy infrastructure. That is in addition to defense cooperation within the scope of its Constitution, such as provisions of non-lethal equipment.