Press Releases
Russia’s ‘‘incorporation’’ of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson
(Statement by Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa)
September 30, 2022
- On September 30, Mr. Putin, Vladimir Vladimirovich, President of the Russian Federation, declared ‘‘incorporation’’ of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson, in Ukraine.
- The purported ‘‘referenda’’ in these regions as well as these purported ‘‘incorporation’’ of these regions by Russia infringe upon Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitute a violation of international law, and shall never be recognized. Japan strongly condemns such moves.
- Such acts in the areas that have been forcibly put under Russia’s temporary control by Russia’s aggression are nothing but attempts to acquire territory by force and go against international law, including the United Nations Charter. Such attempts are invalid and go diametrically against the principle of the rule of law in the international community.
- Japan cannot condone any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force and strongly urges Russia once again to stop the aggression and withdraw its forces back to Russian territory immediately. Japan will also continue to work firmly on the two pillars of imposing strong sanctions against Russia and supporting Ukraine, in cooperation with the international community including the G7.