Japan-Ukraine Relations
Japan-Ukraine Summit Telephone Talk
January 6, 2023
On January 6, commencing at 6:10 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Volodymyr ZELENSKYY, President of Ukraine. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan, as G7 chair, will play a proactive role for the G7 to unite to continue stringent sanctions against Russia and strong support for Ukraine. Prime Minister then reiterated his strong condemnation of Russia's continued attack on Ukraine and expressed Japan’s intention to make utmost efforts to provide support for Ukraine to protect the lives of its people, including winterization assistance.
- Prime Minister Kishida also conveyed that, on top of the approximately 300 generators and 83,500 solar lanterns now being provided as immediate assistance, Japan is considering providing additional generators. Prime Minister Kishida also referred to Japan’s initiatives, such as debt service suspension for Ukraine, emergency response to address infectious diseases for evacuees from Ukraine, and strengthening Ukraine’s capacity to deal with clearing landmines. In response, President Zelenskyy expressed his deep gratitude.
- President Zelenskyy explained the current situation of the war including the relevant matters and extended his invitation to Prime Minister Kishida to visit Ukraine. Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan, as G7 chair, intends to strengthen coordination with Ukraine. With regard to the invitation to visit Ukraine, Prime Minister Kishida stated that nothing has been decided at this point, but that he will consider the matter in light of various circumstances. Both leaders agreed to further advance cooperation.