Japan pledges strong support for Ukraine

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa declared unwavering support for Ukraine during a surprise visit to Kyiv on Sunday, just days before the second anniversary of Moscow’s invasion.

The visit underscores Japan’s commitment to backing Ukraine in the face of escalating conflict.

In a symbolic move, Kamikawa held a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in a Kyiv bomb shelter as air sirens blared in the background.

“Japan is determined to support Ukraine so that peace can return,” she emphasized, expressing her deep concern about the tense situation in the country.

Amidst the intensified attacks on both sides, Kamikawa condemned Russia’s missile and drone assaults, particularly highlighting the New Year’s Day incidents.

As a tangible show of support, she announced that Tokyo would allocate $37 million for a drone detection system and supply five generators to assist Ukraine in enduring another harsh winter during the Russian assault.

Venturing into the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, where Russian forces were accused of a 2022 massacre, Kamikawa expressed shock at the devastation. She also visited Irpin, a previous battleground, witnessing firsthand the impact of the ongoing conflict.

The surprise visit disrupted Kamikawa’s initial two-week tour plan spanning several European and North American countries. However, it demonstrated Japan’s prioritization of its alliance with Ukraine during these critical times.

Beyond immediate aid, Kamikawa and Kuleba discussed Japan hosting a conference in February to promote Ukraine’s economic reconstruction.

Kuleba expressed gratitude for Japan’s support, including the provision of F-16 jets, but stressed the need for air defense systems to protect against ongoing missile and drone attacks.

Addressing broader geopolitical concerns, the two diplomats also discussed the threats posed by North Korea.

Japan’s foreign ministry emphasized that Kamikawa’s visit aimed to demonstrate Japan’s commitment to upholding the international order based on the rule of law, firmly rejecting unilateral changes to the status quo through force, as exemplified by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.