Japanese Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Otsuka Kauza’s speech on the conference “Ukraine – two years heroism” highlighted that two years ago, Russia started its brutal aggression against Ukraine. And I strongly condemn Russia for continuing this aggression and hostilities. I would like to express my solidarity and deepest sympathy for the Ukrainian friends and colleagues, remembering my personal experiences in Ukraine, specially at the initial phase of the aggression, when I experienced air alarm day and night, and I supported evacuation of Japanese citizens to the neighboring countries amid panic.“We condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. This blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, cannot be justified. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine must be respected. This is not only a European issue, nor just an issue of the so-called “Russia and the West”. Any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force must not be tolerated anywhere in the world”, said Ambassador Otsuka.
“Many civilians have lost their lives or been injured. And Russia’s attacks on hospitals, schools, power plants, and other critical infrastructure are not just destroying the present lives of the Ukrainian people, but also threatening their future. International law, including international humanitarian law, must be upheld. All perpetrators of this atrocity must be held accountable.
Russia’s procurement of ballistic missiles from North Korea and their use against Ukraine is absolutely unacceptable. Any transfer of weapons or related equipment and technology between Russia and North Korea is a clear violation of relevant Security Council resolutions. And we are also deeply concerned about any possible transfer of nuclear and ballistic missile-related technology to North Korea.
Russia’s threat to use nuclear weapons is a serious and unacceptable menace to the peace and security of the international community.
We respect the efforts of many countries to seek peace. However, it is inappropriate to equate the aggressor and the victim, and to demand diplomatic efforts on both sides as if both sides are at fault.
Japan reiterates that peace must be based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. In this regard, Japan supports President Zelenskyy’s efforts to his Peace Formula.We must achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Your Excellencies, Respected Guests,
The people of Ukraine also need a hopeful vision for their future. When Prime Minister Kishida visited Ukraine as G7 Chair in March last year, President Zelenskyy outlined his strong expectations for Japan’s experience, its technology and private investment by our country for the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine.
Just one week ago, Japan invited Prime Minister Shmyhal together with Ukrainian companies to Japan and held the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction. Tangible results were achieved, including the signing of more than 50 cooperation documents.
We would like to highlight that during the conference, we held a session on “Women Peace and Security (WPS)” in the context of recovery and reconstruction process in Ukraine.
At the outset of the session, referring to her visit to Ukraine in January of this year, Foreign Minister Kamikawa emphasized the need for “reintegration” of families, communities, and the entire nationals in Ukraine, and introduced Japan’s approach to such “reintegration” and its WPS-related efforts in support of Ukraine.
Minister Kamikawa further stated that she visited Bucha to see with her own eyes the vivid scars of Russia’s aggression and to hear directly from the people on the ground. She stated that we must work to protect women and children who are particularly vulnerable in war and ensure “human dignity.” She also expressed her sincere respect for the courage and perseverance of the Ukrainian people, who have stood united against Russian aggression for a long time.
These initiatives, however, will not fully materialize and bring sufficient benefit to the Ukrainian people, unless Russia stops its aggression.
We once again strongly urge Russia to cease its aggression and withdraw immediately and unconditionally from all internationally recognized territories of Ukraine.
Your Excellencies, Respected Guests,
This is a matter of principle. It is beyond politics. Therefore, Japan with its ally and partners will continue to stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Thank you for your attention. Slava Ukraini!”, said Otsuka.
