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 31st (Japan time), including the battle situation and the diplomacy of the countries concerned.



(There is a 7-hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine, and a 6-hour time difference with Moscow, Russia.)

President Zelensky: 'Russia wants violent vengeance'

Ukrainian President Zelensky visited Mikolayu and Odesa in the south on the 30th and had a meeting with Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen, who is a member of NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization.



Since Denmark is providing not only military assistance but also local reconstruction assistance, the two leaders attended a press conference after observing the state of restoration of infrastructure destroyed by the attack by the Russian military.



In this, President Zelensky said, ``Russia wants intense revenge,'' and expressed caution that Russia would launch a large-scale attack again.



After recognizing that Russia is increasing the number of fighters of private military companies in the east and strengthening its attacks, he said, ``We will gradually stop the invasion of the Russian army and prepare for a large-scale counteroffensive. We are still there,” and emphasized once again the stance of a thorough resistance.



On the other hand, the two leaders also revealed that they had discussed the provision of tanks to Ukraine, and Prime Minister Frederiksen said, "We will provide maximum support for those who need it," and Denmark also ruled out the possibility of providing tanks. I indicated that I would not.

France, Australia agree to supply ammunition to Ukraine

France and Australia held a so-called "2 plus 2" foreign and defense ministerial consultation in Paris on the 30th, and agreed to provide ammunition to Ukraine.



Ammunition is a 155 mm caliber shell used in the state-of-the-art howitzer "Caesar" that France has provided to Ukraine so far, and France and Australia will jointly manufacture several thousand rounds.



We would like to make the first donation by the end of March this year.



At a press conference after the talks, French Defense Minister Le Corgne emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating that "our partnership with Australia will allow us to support Ukraine in the coming weeks and months."



"This is part of the ongoing support we are providing to ensure that Ukraine is able to hold out in this conflict and end the fight on the terms it desires," said Australian Defense Minister Mars. said.

UK defense minister says tanks will be deployed in May or April

British Defense Minister Wallace told parliament on the 30th about the timing of when the tank "Challenger 2" to be provided to Ukraine will be put into the front line, "May before summer, or Christian Easter in April, Easter. It will be time," he said.



The British Ministry of Defense has started training Ukrainian soldiers in the country on the 30th, such as maneuvering and maintenance, and said that the tanks will arrive in Ukraine by the end of March, but Defense Minister Wallace said, ``Training using individual tanks. After that, it is important to train to fight as a unit," he said, predicting that it will take some time before it can be used in actual combat.

Ex-British Prime Minister Testifies of Meeting with Putin Before Ukraine Invasion

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson testified in a BBC documentary about a phone call he had with Putin in early February last year, before Russia invaded Ukraine.



According to it, Putin asked in English, "You say that Ukraine will not join NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization soon, but what do you mean by 'soon'?" , Mr. Johnson replied, ``For the foreseeable future.



Furthermore, during the meeting, Mr. Johnson revealed that President Putin made remarks that could be taken as a threat, such as "I don't want to hurt you, but if you shoot a missile, it will only take a minute." "It was very relaxed and detached. I think he was just teasing me for trying to bring him to the negotiating table."



On the 30th, Russian presidential spokesman Peskov denied the allegations, saying, "Mr Johnson's remarks are not true, they are lies."



In the same program, British Defense Minister Wallace revealed that when he met with Shoigu in Moscow in mid-February last year, Shoigu said he had no intention of invading Ukraine. I felt it was a lie,” he recalled.