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 Ukraine situation on the 3rd (Japan time), such as 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.)

Russian Foreign Minister “Western side uses Moldova to counter Russia”

Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov said in an interview with state television on the 2nd that Ukraine's neighbor, Moldova, said, "The West expects Moldova to play an 'anti-Russia' role following Ukraine." , unilaterally claimed that they were trying to take advantage of Moldova.



"The West, in far from democratic means, has created a president in Moldova who is willing to join NATO. The president of Moldova has Romanian citizenship and is ready to integrate the country into Romania. ” and developed his own opinion.



In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova immediately countered in a statement on the 2nd, saying, "Moldova is aiming to join the EU = European Union, and this policy is supported by the people. We respect the people's choice. He strongly denied the Russian side's view that Moldova was being used by the West.



Moldova's Sandu administration is aiming to join the EU, but there are areas within the country that have unilaterally declared independence and where Russian troops continue to be stationed, raising concerns about Russia's military invasion of Ukraine.

Putin's speech: 'German tanks threaten again'

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech on the 2nd in the southern city of Volgograd, where the former Soviet army fought fierce battles with Nazi Germany during World War II.



In this, he said, "Nazi ideology is once again creating a direct threat to our country. The German tank Leopard threatens us again." He strongly criticized Germany and other countries, which decided to provide it.

Ukraine Defense Minister “One year after the military invasion, watch out for large-scale Russian attacks”

Ukrainian Defense Minister Reznikov said in an interview with a local television station on the 1st that he was visiting France, saying, "The Russian army will try to make an attempt around February 24." He was wary of the Russian army launching a large-scale attack at the same time.



"We don't underestimate the Russian military. Russia officially announced that it had mobilized 300,000 reserves, but based on our observations of the border forces, we believe it is much higher. ”He said that Russia may have actually mobilized 500,000 people.



In addition, he said, "We must prepare as soon as possible. We need weapons to suppress the enemy." I complained.