Press Conference by the Prime Minister on a Telephone Talk with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy

 
(On a telephone talk with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy)
 
A short while ago, I had a telephone talk with Ukrainian President Zelensky. I once again conveyed Japan's stance that Japan will work in unity with the G7 and others in order to stop Russia's aggression at the earliest possible time and then expressed Japan's solidarity with Ukraine, which is fighting to defend its motherland and freedom.

I also stated that the purported "referenda" conducted recently, as well as the purported "incorporation" of some areas of Ukraine, infringe upon Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitute a violation of international law, and shall never be recognized, and that Japan strongly condemns such moves.

President Zelensky then expressed his deep appreciation for Japan's stance, as well as for the assistance Japan has provided until now. Japan will consider further sanctions in close cooperation with the G7. I also conveyed that, together with the international community, Japan will continue to impose strong sanctions against Russia and provide assistance to Ukraine.

I also underlined our determination to lead discussions in the international community as next year's chair of the G7, with a view to working towards peace and the reconstruction of Ukraine at the earliest possible. The telephone talk provided us an opportunity to clearly share our position, as well as to agree to cooperate with each other.