Japan reaffirms ‘unwavering’ support for Ukraine, calls for peace on third anniversary of war
Tokyo’s circumspection shows how its stance on Ukraine differs from Washington in a way that does not upset Trump, analysts note
Japan’s political leaders have marked the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine with expressions of support for Kyiv, reiterating their commitment to lasting peace achieved through discussions that involve the Ukrainian government.
Observers note, however, that Tokyo chose not to repeat the criticisms of European and other global leaders of what is widely seen as a betrayal of Ukraine by the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Joining an online summit with Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirmed Japan’s “unwavering” commitment to the war-torn country and again condemned the 2022 Russian invasion as a “reckless act”, voicing hope that lasting peace could be achieved through diplomatic efforts involving Kyiv.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has undermined global backing for Ukraine, describing Zelensky as a “dictator” and blaming Kyiv for starting the war.
Trump has also demanded Ukrainian minerals in return for military aid that was provided under the administration of former president Joe Biden and supported Moscow’s plans for ending the fighting, which would entail Russia retaining the land it has seized and Ukraine not being permitted to join Nato or the European Union.
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-elect, said the Trump administration “is largely indifferent to the fate of Europe”, while French President Emmanuel Macron told Trump in the White House earlier this week that peace must not mean surrendering Ukraine.
