Russia's military aggression against Ukraine continues.
Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces continues across Ukraine, forcing thousands of civilians to flee the country.
We will keep you updated on developments in the situation in Ukraine on the 9th (Japan time), including the battle situation and the diplomacy of the countries concerned.
(There is a time difference of 6 hours between Japan and Ukraine and Moscow, Russia)
U.S. Secretary of State Brinken visits Kyiv and meets with President Zelensky
U.S. Secretary of State Brinken made an unannounced visit to Ukraine's capital Kyiv on the 8th and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
During the meeting, Chief Brinken noted that the Ukrainian army was intensifying its reversal offensive in Kherson province in the south and Kharkiv province in the east. However, the Ukrainian army's counterattack continues and is producing results."
In addition, he directly conveyed that he would provide new military assistance worth a total of 675 million dollars, equivalent to approximately 97 billion yen in Japanese yen, such as howitzers used for artillery attacks and rockets for high-mobility rocket artillery systems. He emphasized the stance of supporting the recapture of the territory.
In response, President Zelensky said, "This is a very important signal that the United States stands with Ukraine. For us, it is a guarantee that we can regain our territory."
In addition to this aid, Secretary Brinken announced that he would provide $2.2 billion in military aid to 19 countries, including Ukraine and neighboring Moldova, that are under threat from Russia. The total amount of this is about 400 billion yen in Japanese yen.
Ukrainian army recaptures territory in eastern Kharkiv province, etc.
At a press conference in Kyiv on the 8th, the person in charge of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced that more than 700 square kilometers of territory was recaptured in eastern Kharkiv province and other areas.
According to the report, the Ukrainian army has invaded up to 50 kilometers into Russian-occupied areas in Kharkiv Oblast and liberated 20 settlements, according to the military operations that have been underway since the beginning of this week.
It is also said that they attacked areas occupied by Russia in the vicinity of Kramatorsk in the eastern Donetsk province.
Nearly 50 defense ministers discuss military aid to Ukraine
An international meeting was held on the 8th at the US military base in western Germany to discuss military assistance to Ukraine with the participation of defense ministers from about 50 countries.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin, who hosted the event, said, "Russian forces continue to brutally attack cities and civilians with missiles and artillery, but Ukrainian forces have launched counterattacks in the south. The war situation is entering a critical phase." said.
In addition, the United States announced that it would provide new military assistance worth a total of 675 million dollars, equivalent to approximately 97 billion yen in Japanese yen, such as howitzers used for bombardment and rockets for high-mobility rocket artillery systems. did.
After the meeting, Secretary Austin said at a press conference, ``We will not relax our support. showed the idea.
In addition, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Milly, who was the head of the U.S. military uniformed group and was present at the press conference, revealed that the Ukrainian military had attacked more than 400 targets with high-mobility rocket artillery systems, saying, "It has achieved tremendous results, and the Russian side is resupplying. "Roads have been severely damaged. The command and control of the Russian army is in chaos, and there are major difficulties in supplying troops."
Prime Minister Kishida U.S. and U.K. leaders agree on sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine
Prime Minister Kishida and U.S. President Biden held a teleconference on the situation in Ukraine with the leaders of eight countries. We agreed to work together.
The video conference was called by President Biden of the United States, and was held for about an hour from the late night of the 8th to the dawn of the 9th in Japan time, including Prime Minister Kishida, G7 = 7 major countries excluding France, etc. Leaders from eight countries participated.
During the meeting, they exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine, and agreed to continue strong sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine, as well as to work together to ensure a stable supply of energy and food.
In addition, Prime Minister Kishida explained the recent trends of Russia in the Indo-Pacific region, conveyed his recognition that it is important to reach out to countries that are in the middle position, and participated in last month's TICAD = Tokyo International Conference on African Development. I introduced that we have confirmed serious concerns about Russia's military aggression with the country.
In addition, Prime Minister Kishida touched on Japan's presidency of the G7 next year, and conveyed his determination to promote unity among G7 countries and like-minded countries in dealing with the situation in Ukraine.