Japan To Stick To Its Sanctions Against Russia, Pledge Full Support For Ukraine – PM

Tokyo will resolutely continue its policy of sanctions against Moscow and support to Kiev, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told a plenary meeting of both houses of the country’s parliament on Monday.

“We will resolutely pursue sanctions against Russia and support to Ukraine,” Kishida said. He also emphasized that the situation in Ukraine had entered a new stage “amid the accession of [territories] and the partial call-up” in Russia.

Kishida said Russia’s actions in Ukraine had shaken the foundations of international order, and expressed his concerns that a similar situation could occur in the Asian region. “The security situation around our country, including the East China and South China seas, has been deteriorating rapidly. And strengthening its defense capabilities necessary to protect our territories, territorial waters and air space has been a top priority,” he added.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a special military operation in response to a request for help from the leaders of the two Donbass republics. The US, the EU, the UK and a number of other countries retaliated with sweeping sanctions against Russia. The West has also been supplying weapons and military equipment to Kiev worth billions of dollars at this stage.