'It's clear the only thing that can deter Putin now is a phone call from President Xi'

Defence Minister Peter Dutton believes Chinese President Xi Jinping is the only person who could persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Xi met with Mr Putin in Beijing earlier last month and China has refused to either condemn or endorse Russia's actions, despite its insistence on upholding national sovereignty above all.

Mr Dutton told Today the Chinese leader, an ally of Mr Putin, is the sole person who can halt the invasion.

"It's clear the only thing that can deter Putin now is a phone call from President Xi," Mr Dutton said.

LIVE UPDATES: Kyiv bracing for major Russian assault

"I think President Xi is the only person in the world that could pick up the phone to President Putin now and stop this madness."

Some security analysts have drawn comparisons between Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's claims over self-ruling Taiwan.

Taiwan, an island of 23 million people about 160km off China's eastern coast, is self-ruled, but claimed by China.

Beijing stepped up military pressure on the island, sending ships into nearby waters and fighter jets in its direction.

READ MORE: Ominous 64km-long Russian convoy closes in on Kyiv

Mr Dutton said he was buoyed by the fierce Ukrainian resistance after almost a week of fighting but feared further civilian deaths.

"I want to see them succeed, but when you see the sheer might and brutality of the Russian force, I fear that the women and children will suffer enormously as they envelop these cities."

The Australian government announced yesterday it is sending $70 million worth of military hardware, including missiles and weaponry, to Ukraine to help fight the invading Russian army, a move which could trigger repercussions from the Kremlin.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison refused to disclose the specifics of the weapons because "I don't plan to give the Russian government a heads up about what is coming their way".

Australia will commit the military hardware in partnership with NATO, who will order weapons most suitable for the fight against Russian troops.

READ MORE: The Stinger missile worked against the Russians in Afghanistan in the 1980s, but will it in Ukraine?

Mr Morrison said Australia "cannot be absent" when it comes to standing up for the principles of liberal democracy in today's world, even if it meant becoming a target.

Mr Morrison again warned Australians to not travel to Ukraine to fight the Russian army.

- Reported with Associated Press