Kishida stated that Japan opposes the use of force and will continue to monitor the Ukrainian-Russian situation with “grave concern.” He promised that Japan, which initiated the telephone conversations, “will continue persistent diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.”
According to him, Putin assured the Japanese leader that Russia did not intend to invade Ukraine. Also President of the Russian Federation outlined Russia’s position on the situation, but did not go into details.
According to him, Japan will coordinate its actions with other developed countries of the G7 and will take appropriate measures if necessary. However, he did not specify what kind of sanctions he discussed with Putin.
It is noted that in the event of a Russian invasion, Japan is considering imposing sanctions simultaneously with the G7, but “this move could lead to further deadlock in their negotiations on a bilateral agreement.”
“The situation in Ukraine is extremely tense. If we allow the status quo to be changed by force, it will send the wrong signal not only to Europe, but to Asia and the rest of the world,” Kishida said.
He stressed that Japan supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine against the backdrop of Russia’s concentration of armed forces.
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