Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Ukrainian residents living in Japan, on Feb 24, protested against the Russian invasion of their country and demanded an immediate end to the military operation that started earlier in the day.

Gathered in Tokyo’s Shibuya Square displaying their national yellow and blue flags, the crowd chanted patriotic songs and demanded “Putin Go Home.”

Many Japanese showed their support by holding up placards against the war.

A young Russian woman, who took part in the protest, told Arab News Japan that she felt “ashamed” that the Russian leader was carrying out an aggressive policy. She added that she has many Ukrainian friends.

A Japanese man added that he planned to marry his Ukrainian girlfriend and travel to Ukraine to meet his wife’s family, but the current situation disrupted his plans.

A young Ukrainian man who wrapped himself in the Ukrainian flag said his family in the Donbas region faces food shortages.

Archpriest Paul Koroluk of the St. Jude Ukrainian Orthodox Tokyo mission told Arab News Japan that Russia’s attacking openly with heavy weapons. He said they are worried about their families in Ukraine.