Japan’s Ambassador to Ukraine says Tokyo should keep extending support to Kyiv to help preserve international order.
Matsuda Kuninori spoke to NHK in Kyiv on Saturday, ahead of his upcoming departure from his post. He became ambassador to Ukraine in October 2021, months before Russia launched its invasion.
Matsuda said Japan initially helped Ukraine by taking in refugees, then by working to improve Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and removing landmines.
He said the time has come to create a cycle of events that involves the gradual resumption of economic activities, exports, and tax revenue to the levels they were at before Russia’s invasion. He said this restoration process should eventually involve Japanese businesses.
The ambassador said Ukraine has built a strong defense line on the battlefield, ensuring that Russian forces do not break through and advance westward.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that he will present a “Victory Plan” designed to end Russia’s invasion at a summit in Germany on Saturday.
Matsuda said the international community must unite to end this invasion, and urge Russia to move toward a ceasefire. He stressed the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to achieve peace, along with Ukraine’s efforts to take the initiative on the battlefield.
He also noted that President Zelenskyy appeared to be very grateful to Japan and the Japanese people.
Zelenskyy recently used social media to post videos of his meeting with Matsuda at the presidential office, where he handed Matsuda an Order of Merit decoration.
The president thanked Matsuda for building strong relations between Ukraine and Japan, which he said were stronger than ever.
Zelenskyy also thanked Matsuda for Japan’s support during its Group of Seven presidency last year.