Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues.
Russian and Ukrainian forces are fighting in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians have fled the country. We will update the situation in Ukraine from time to time on the 29th (Japan time), including the status of the battle and the diplomacy of the countries concerned.
(There is a 6-hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine and Moscow, Russia)
Russian Defense Minister "Increase the production of specific ammunition 7~8 times"
Russian Defense Minister Shoigu visited two regional weapons factories in central Russia to observe how ammunition and other materials are manufactured.
Defense Minister Shoigu stated that he would "increase the production of certain ammunition to seven to eight times by the end of the year" and instructed the government to work on increasing the production of weapons, making it clear that Japan will continue its military invasion against Western support.
President Zelensky visits Sumyi Oblast near the Russian border
President Zelensky, who has been visiting various parts of Ukraine one after another, visited the northeastern Sumyi Oblast.
The city of Sumy Oblast, near the border with Russia, was recaptured by the Ukrainian side a year ago after the invasion of Russian troops, and President Zelensky encouraged his soldiers, saying, "I want to pay tribute to all those who fought for our country, no dictator can erase Ukraine's border with Russia by force."
Russian Spokesperson: Opposition to Germany and Other Countries That Have Decided to Provide Tanks
The West is accelerating military support to Ukraine to counter the Russian invasion, and on the 27th, German and British main battle tanks arrived in Ukraine, and the Portuguese Ministry of Defense also announced that three "Leopard 2" vehicles were delivered to Ukraine.
In response, Peskov, a spokesman for the Russian presidential office, said, "Japan is directly or indirectly strengthening its involvement in the conflict," and has opposed Germany and other countries that have decided to provide tanks.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister: "Restoration of territorial integrity is a prerequisite for peace"
U.S. Secretary of State Blinken held a ministerial meeting with European countries and Japan to discuss assistance to Ukraine.
In it, Blinken expressed strong alarm over calls for a ceasefire that did not include the withdrawal of Russian troops, saying that "there is a possibility that Russian forces will rest and be able to strike again," bearing in mind the document China released last month calling for dialogue and ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
"The cessation of Russian aggression and the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity are essential conditions for peace," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba said, stressing the importance of the withdrawal of Russian troops.
On the other hand, Foreign Minister Hayashi sent a video message saying, "In order to end Russia's aggression as soon as possible, Japan will maintain the unity of the G7 as the chair of the G7 = seven major countries, and promote severe sanctions against Russia and firm support for Ukraine."