Press Conferences

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I just had a Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk for approximately 25 minutes with U.S. Secretary of State Blinken, in which we exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine, which is growing extremely tense. During our discussion, Secretary Blinken and I shared the recognition that the invasion by the Russian military infringes upon Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitutes a serious violation of international law prohibiting the use of force, and shakes the foundations of the international order which does not allow unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force. We also shared the recognition that the effects will not stop in Europe and shared the view that we severely condemn Russia. I told Secretary Blinken about the measures that have already been announced, as well as about our announcement of even more severe measures in step with the United States and European countries in finance, export control, and other fields due to the invasion. Secretary Blinken and I affirmed that Japan and the United States will continue close cooperation. Secretary Blinken and I also agreed that such a unilateral attempt to change the status quo, such as the one in this situation, is utterly unacceptable, that it is important to appropriately respond to Russia’s actions so that no erroneous lessons are left behind, and that we will continue close Japan-U.S. cooperation as well as close cooperation with the international community, including the G7. Furthermore, we reaffirmed that it is essential to strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and that Japan and the United States will continue to closely cooperate toward realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

Reporter: You stated that you conveyed Japan’s economic sanctions measures to the U.S. side. The United States, the United Kingdom, the EU, and others have announced that they will impose sanctions on President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov. Does Japan intend to add President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov as targets for sanctions?

Minister Hayashi: We are currently advancing necessary procedures to quickly implement the measures announced on February 25. In addition to this, Japan will continue to work appropriately in cooperation with the international community, including the United States, based on the situation going forward.

Reporter: I believe you mentioned that the effects will not stop at Europe, and that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force are unacceptable. Does that mean you also include East Asia and the Indo-Pacific region?

Minister Hayashi: I believe it means the effects will not stop at Europe, meaning that it will of course extend to the Indo-Pacific region including East Asia.

Reporter: President Zelensky indicated his outlook in a recent statement that the capital of Ukraine will soon be invaded. Please tell us your view of the current situation, as well as if you discussed whether further sanctions could be possible going forward during the Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Minister Hayashi: We discussed the situation, but I would like to refrain from speaking about the details as this was diplomatic communication. As for sanctions, it is as I stated earlier.

Reporter: Regarding the dialogue with Ukraine, Russia has indicated its stance of being prepared to engage in dialogue premised on Ukraine’s neutrality. What is the Government of Japan’s stance on Ukraine’s neutrality?

Minister Hayashi: As I stated before, the invasion by the Russian military infringes upon Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitutes a serious violation of international law prohibiting the use of force, and shakes the foundations of the international order which does not allow unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force. That is our position, and we will continue to monitor future developments in cooperation with the United States and the G7.