Press Releases
Statement by Foreign Press Secretary on the Shelling Incident in Eastern Ukraine
1. Japan condemns the shelling on January 24 in the city of Mariupol, eastern Ukraine, resulting in numerous casualties among civilians. Japan expresses its deep condolences to the victims and the bereaved families, and prays for the early recovery of those who were injured.
2. Japan is concerned that despite the various efforts by the international community towards peace, the Minsk agreement is not observed and then that the conflicts are escalating in some areas within Ukraine, and results in the casualties.
3. Japan strongly calls upon all the relevant parties to make efforts to work towards a peaceful and diplomatic solution of the issue with observing the Minsk agreement and fully respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In particular, Japan calls upon Russia to exercise its influence on the armed separatists who have announced their intention to expand their attacks to implement the Minsk agreement.