The new head of the Japanese Foreign Ministry visited Ukraine on an unannounced visit
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwai made a surprise visit to Ukraine to discuss with Ukrainian officials support in the face of ongoing Russian aggression, which now includes the involvement of the North Korean military. As reported in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Iwai’s visit, which took place after his trip to Peru to participate in an economic meeting, demonstrates Japan’s position on the side of Ukraine.
The minister arrived in Ukraine by train from Poland and plans to hold a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiga. According to sources, a conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyi is also possible.
This visit takes place against the background of changes in the US political landscape after the election of Donald Trump, which may affect the financial support of Ukraine from the G7 countries. Trump, who is critical of large-scale financial aid to Ukraine, has previously stated his intention to end the conflict through negotiations if he returns to power.
Japan continues to strongly support Ukraine, along with its G7 partners, by imposing sanctions on Russia, including asset freezes and export restrictions. Against the background of the escalation of the conflict, at the beginning of the month, Ukraine and the United States confirmed that the North Korean military joined the hostilities on the side of Russia in the border region of the Kursk region.
This visit was the first trip of a Japanese minister to Ukraine since the appointment of Shigeru Ishiba as Prime Minister, and the last official visit of a Japanese foreign minister was made by Yoko Kamikawa in January of this year.
