The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven nations have discussed ways to support Ukraine during the winter at a meeting in Germany. They are also believed to have discussed ways of dealing with China, where President Xi Jinping has secured a third term as the leader of the ruling Communist Party.

The ministers kicked off a two-day meeting on Thursday in Munster, western Germany.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned Russia's attacks on energy facilities in Ukraine at the beginning of the conference. She said Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to make people starve and freeze to death in cities that his country has been unable to conquer militarily.

Baerbock stressed that the G7 nations will continue to use sanctions and other means to put pressure on Russia. She also said that the ministers will coordinate winter aid for people in Ukraine.

Baerbock told reporters ahead of the meeting that the ministers would discuss their approaches to China. She said China is not just a partner on international questions, but also a competitor and a rival in terms of the international order.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will travel to China on Friday with a delegation of business leaders. He is scheduled to meet with Xi during his stay.

European countries are becoming increasingly concerned about China's human rights record and maritime activities. Some critics say Scholz is prioritizing economic relations with China.