Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues.
Russian and Ukrainian troops continue to fight in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians are evacuating abroad.
We will keep you updated on the movements on the 18th (Japan time) regarding the situation in Ukraine, such as the situation of the battle and the diplomacy of the countries concerned.
(There is a time difference of 6 hours between Japan and Ukraine and Moscow in Russia)
British Prime Minister visits Kieu without notice Meeting with President Zelensky
On the 17th, British Prime Minister Johnson visited Kieu, the capital of Ukraine, without notice and met with President Zelensky.
Prime Minister Johnson visited Kieu for the first time as a leader of the G7 = seven major countries after the military invasion by Russia in April, and this is his second visit.
Under strict security, Prime Minister Johnson visited the square in Kieu with President Zelensky, where Russian tanks that were allegedly destroyed by Ukrainian troops are on display.
Also, according to the Prime Minister's Office in the United Kingdom, in a meeting with President Zelensky, he told up to 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers every 120 days about plans to support training such as how to fight on the front line.
The United Kingdom has continued to provide military support to Ukraine by providing anti-tank missiles and air defense systems in addition to the multiple launch rocket system "M270".
"It's understandable that Ukrainian people think they can't compromise with Putin," said Prime Minister Johnson, who had a joint meeting with President Zelensky, emphasizing the continued need for financial and military aspects for Ukraine. Did.
He stressed that such support was needed to expel the invaders from Ukraine, recognizing that future talks, including ceasefire talks, would only begin.
Meanwhile, President Zelensky said at a press conference, "I am grateful for understanding the need for our weapons," and "talked about the need to increase the supply of weapons and the provision of air defense measures, and in that direction. It has begun to move, "he said, revealing that he had agreed on additional military support.
He also said, "I feel that aggression and terrorist acts lead to the loss of Russia itself," and agreed to strengthen sanctions on Russia.
President Putin makes a speech "Economic sanctions on Russia fail"
Russia's President Vladimir Putin, who continues to invade Ukraine, spoke at an international economic conference held in the country, saying that "Russia's business reputation and currency trust are intentionally damaged by the West". He criticized the Western side for strengthening economic sanctions on Russia.
On the other hand, "The Western side tried to destroy the Russian economy, but it clearly failed. In the early spring of this year, pessimistic outlook for the future of the Russian economy was expected, but it has not become a reality." He emphasized that Russia's economic measures are functioning despite the sanctions, and clarified the confrontational stance with the Western side.
In addition, Putin unilaterally criticized Russia for blaming Russia for rising prices of food and other products worldwide, saying that sanctions on Russia have caused prices to rise on the Western side. Did.
"Rising food prices are threatening poor countries. Russia could significantly increase food and fertilizer exports," he said. Russia needs to lift sanctions over food security. I complained.
He also claimed that "Russia has not blocked the export of grain from Ukraine at all" and that it has not blocked the sea shipping of the Black Sea, which faces southern Ukraine.
On the other hand, regarding the military invasion of Ukraine, he reiterated his continued thinking, saying that "all the goals of the special military operation will surely be achieved."
Gas reduction for Germany affects neighboring countries
As Russia's largest government-affiliated gas company Gasprom announces that it will significantly reduce the amount of natural gas supplied through its pipeline to Germany, the German government announced the supply status of natural gas on the 17th, Germany The amount of gas sent through the main gas pipeline "Nordstream" to Germany has been reduced by about 60%, and it is clear that the supply to neighboring countries such as France, Austria and Czech Republic, which are connected to Germany by pipeline, is also affected. Did.
In France, the operating company of the natural gas pipeline announced on the 17th that the supply of gas imported from Russia via Germany has stopped since the 15th.
Each country emphasizes that the decrease in gas is being supplemented by procuring it from other markets.
However, Germany, which relies heavily on Russia for energy, has accused Gazprom of raising gas prices and having an economic impact on Germany, raising caution.