Japan’s position on condemning Russian aggression remains unchanged – ambassador

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine Shigeki Sumi said this during a meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman on Friday, December 14, the Government portal reported.

"I came to Ukraine right after the Revolution of Dignity. Japan has always defended the principles of territorial integrity of Ukraine, condemned the annexation of Crimea and aggression in Donbas. I assure you that this position will remain unchanged in the future," the diplomat emphasized.

In turn, Groysman said that Ukraine has always felt and feels the support of Japan in both political and economic areas.

“We should continue develop friendly relations because we have many promising areas of cooperation,” the Ukrainian prime minister said.

The meeting took place on the occasion of completion of the ambassador’s diplomatic mission in Ukraine.

In the spring of 2014, Japan became one of the first countries to recognize the threat of Russian aggression. In March 2014, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan issued a statement calling on the Kremlin to comply with international law, in particular, the Black Sea Fleet Agreement Between Russia and Ukraine and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. At the same time, Japan joined the statement of the G7, condemning Russia's actions against Ukraine, and also adopted a decision to impose sanctions against the Russian Federation, which were strengthened during 2014.

Over the past four years, the Government of Japan has granted financial assistance to Ukraine in the amount of over $1.7 billion. Another sum over $40 million of direct aid has been granted for the projects of reconstruction of the eastern regions of Ukraine and the rehabilitation of affected population.

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