Japan pledges continued sanctions pressure on Russia in meeting with Zelenskyy

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged to maintain pressure on Russia through sanctions during her first formal meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York, according to Tokyo-based Kyodo News.

The talks took place on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, as Russia’s war against Ukraine entered its fifth year. The meeting, which lasted about 20 minutes, was held at Kyiv’s request, a senior Ukrainian official said.

Japan reaffirms support for Ukraine

“Japan will work on Ukraine assistance and sanctions against Russia in coordination with the international community,” Takaichi told Zelenskyy.

She added that it was “indispensable” for countries to unite in supporting Ukraine to achieve “fair and lasting peace as early as possible”, reaffirming Tokyo’s solidarity with Kyiv.

Zelenskyy calls for Japanese role in reconstruction

Zelenskyy said he was certain peace would eventually come to Ukraine and expressed hope that Japanese companies would participate in rebuilding the country.

The Ukrainian president also said sanctions had proved effective and that Kyiv would never forget the humanitarian and energy assistance provided by Japan so far.