Japan’s defense chief pledges continued support to Ukraine

Singapore (Jiji Press) – Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara told his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov on Sunday that Japan will continue to support Ukraine amid the protracted Russian invasion.

During their meeting in Singapore, Kihara said Japan will respond to the situation in Ukraine with determination while working with the international community under a strong sense of crisis.

He criticized the Russian invasion as undermining the international order, and showed a sense of crisis that what is happening in Ukraine could also happen in East Asia.

Umerov expressed gratitude for Japan’s support, including the admission of wounded Ukrainian soldiers to the Central Hospital of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the provision of about 100 SDF vehicles. He called for talks on continued support.