• Japanese PM said he was emotionally moved by the strong resolve and courage of Zelensky

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio said Wednesday that he has renewed his commitment in the fight against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s online speech to Japan’s parliament.

“Russia’s outrageous act is utterly unacceptable. I’ve renewed my determination to support people facing difficulties in Ukraine, together with the international community,” Kishida told reporters after watching the livestreamed speech.

Kishida said he was emotionally moved by the strong resolve and courage of the Ukrainian president, seeking to defend his country and nationals in an extremely tough situation.

On the civilian victims of the war in Ukraine including children, referred to in Zelensky’s speech, Kishida said, “Inhuman attacks are unacceptable.”

Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa, separately speaking to reporters, said, “We must make utmost efforts to put an end to Russia’s invasion as soon as possible, together with the international community including other Group of Seven countries.”

“We are with Ukraine,” Hayashi said, calling for unity.

Before the speech, some people in the government were concerned about what Zelensky might say, given the bitter complaints and difficult requests the president had made in his earlier speeches to assemblies of other nations.

A sense of relief prevailed among them after the speech, with a senior Foreign Ministry official saying, “There was no surprise.”

JIJI Press