Regarding Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, a former diplomat who was once the Consul General at the Russian Consulate in Osaka responded to an interview with NHK, while showing an understanding of the position of the Russian government, "What is more valuable than human life is No, war is the worst thing, "he said, hoping that the situation would be calmed down as soon as possible through negotiations.

Former diplomat Ivan Proholov (66) responded to the interview.



He has worked at embassies around the world, mainly in Japan, since 1977 during the Soviet Union, and was the Consul General of the Russian Consulate in Osaka for six years from 2005.



Now I run an international exchange organization in Hirakata City, Osaka with his wife Kayoko.



In an interview, Prokhorov said, "Ukraine is Russia's bosom, and NATO's expansion to the east is a clear threat to Russia," he said, showing some understanding of the Russian government's position.



On the other hand, regarding the loss of many lives such as military personnel of both countries and Ukrainian citizens, "Nothing is more valuable than human life and war is the worst. I hope this special military operation will end as soon as possible." He hoped that the situation would be calmed down as soon as possible by negotiations rather than by force.



Also, from the experience of spending about 20 years in Japan as a diplomat for nearly 40 years, he was strongly concerned about the future deterioration of Japan-Russia relations and mutual public sentiment. I'm lonely as a human being, not as a human being. I want the general public to live in harmony regardless of country or nationality. "

Former Consul General's wife "Don't stop interacting because of this."

Mr. Kayoko, the wife of Mr. Prohorov, has been running an international exchange organization for more than 10 years, and has been engaged in activities to promote international understanding, such as holding lectures by diplomats from various countries centered on the Russian Consulate at Japanese high schools. I am.



Since Russia's military invasion of Ukraine began at the end of February, Kayoko has been worried about discriminatory remarks against Russians living in Japan and the chilling of Japanese and Russian citizens' feelings. We must not break the exchange. We must now act as an intermediary that will be a breakthrough in history. "