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 19th (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.)
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleva: 'We will not give up in the fight for freedom'
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba participated in a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference on the 18th and said, "The most important security for us is that our partner countries firmly and unconditionally believe in Ukraine's victory. This is the basis of policy decisions. The rest will take care of themselves.”
He called for additional military support, including ammunition, artillery, and tanks.
On top of that, he reiterated his stance of utter resistance to Russia, saying, "No matter what happens, we cannot give up on the fight for freedom."
Foreign Minister Hayashi and Foreign Minister of Ukraine Kuleba hold talks
The meeting took place in Munich, Germany, on the evening of the 18th, Japan time, for approximately 20 minutes.
In this speech, Foreign Minister Hayashi expressed Japan's determination to uphold the international order based on the rule of law as the chair of the G7 and as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
In addition, he conveyed his intention to play a role so that the international community will continue to unite and continue to impose sanctions on Russia and support Ukraine.
Furthermore, he explained that Japan has successively provided a total of approximately 1.5 billion dollars to Ukraine and its neighboring countries, and that in addition to winter support, Japan is also cooperating in countermeasures against landmines and unexploded ordnance.
In response, Minister Kureba expressed his gratitude and hoped that Prime Minister Kishida's visit to Ukraine would be realized.
The two foreign ministers also shared the view that they will strengthen cooperation and work closely together toward the early realization of peace and stability in Ukraine.
Rally for Ukraine aid in Munich, Germany
In Munich, southern Germany, a large-scale rally was held in conjunction with the security conference on the 18th, calling for increased support for Ukraine.
The rally was held mainly by Ukrainian residents living in Germany, and about 1,000 people gathered in a square about 2 kilometers away from the conference venue and said, 'Any help' and 'Stop killing children'. ” was holding a placard.
In order to prevent aerial attacks by the Russian military, he called on the European and American sides to set up a no-fly zone over Ukraine and have military aircraft monitor it.
Many of the participants also appealed to the West to start providing fighter planes to the Ukrainian military.
A 27-year-old man who participated in the rally said, "Each country should continue and strengthen the necessary support for Ukraine to resist Russia."
A 23-year-old Ukrainian immigrant to Germany eight years ago said, "I want all countries to fight with Ukraine. I want them to stop the massacre by Russia and provide all kinds of support for Ukraine to survive. I need a machine," he complained.
UK PM Sunak calls on countries to double military aid
In a speech at the Munich Security Conference on the 18th, British Prime Minister Sunak said, "Ukraine needs more ammunition, more armored vehicles and more air defense systems to win the war. Now is the time to double our military aid." I called to
And the UK has indicated that it will provide military aid on a scale comparable to that of last year over the next few months.
On the other hand, regarding the supply of fighter jets requested by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, he only said, "Ukraine is ready to support any country that wants to provide ready-to-use aircraft."
"Ukraine needs to be able to keep itself safe in the long term. That's why the UK is training Ukrainian military pilots to fly state-of-the-art fighter jets," he said.
Furthermore, in order to maintain the international order, Prime Minister Sunak will pursue the responsibility of the Russian military for war crimes through investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC), and will hold an international conference to be held in London in June for the reconstruction of Ukraine. He called on countries to consider their responsibilities.