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 regarding the situation in Ukraine on the 8th (Japan time), including the situation of the fighting 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 visits African countries Is it an aim to compete with Europe and the United States by strengthening cooperation?
On the 7th, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov started a tour of three African countries, and held a foreign ministers' meeting in the first country he visited, Mali in West Africa.
In Mali, it has been pointed out that the Russian private military company Wagner may have been involved in the operation to wipe out Islamic extremists carried out by the military that took control of the coup d'état, and the West has expressed concern over Russia's growing influence.
At a joint press conference after the talks, Foreign Minister Lavrov emphasized, "The Western side is negative about our relationship. They will try to bring colonial methods to Africa, but Russia will oppose them."
Just last month, Foreign Minister Lavrov visited four African countries, including South Africa, and Russia has strengthened ties with emerging and developing countries called the "Global South" to counter the Western side's increased military support for Ukraine. It seems that there is also an aim to do.
At a meeting held at the Ministry of Defense on the 7th, Russian Defense Minister Shoigu also commented on the West, saying, "The United States and its allies are trying to prolong the conflict as long as possible. The conflict may expand to unpredictable levels." I checked it out.