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 attack attacks apartment complex, killing 25 civilians
On the 28th, the Russian military attacked Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and other places with cruise missiles and drones, and among them, apartment buildings were damaged in Umani in the central part of the country.
Many residents are believed to have fallen under the rubble, and according to the Ukrainian government, 4 people, including four children, have died so far. Also in the eastern city of Dnipro, two people died, including a 23-year-old girl and her mother.
President Zelensky strongly condemns Putin's regime
President Zelensky strongly condemned the Putin regime at a joint press conference with the presidents of Slovakia and the Czech Republic who visited Kyiv on the 28th, saying, "Russia must lose this war, and its leader must be punished for aggression and genocide."
Ukraine's Defense Minister Reznikov Nears Massive Reverse Offensive
"We are ready, and depending on the weather and the commander's decision, we will implement it immediately," Defense Minister Reznikov said at a press conference, stressing his readiness to embark on a large-scale reversal offensive in the near future.
President Putin takes a confrontational stance again
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed parliamentary representatives in St. Petersburg, the second largest city, on the 28th, and stated that it is necessary to strengthen support measures for soldiers and their families who have been called up for mobilization, and expressed his intention to focus on improving working conditions amid points of troop shortages.
In addition, bearing in mind the Western countries that are increasing their military support to Ukraine, he reaffirmed his confrontational stance, saying, "Our former partners are trying to impose their own opinions, and we will not follow their rules."
Prime Minister Kishida to visit Africa and other countries Collaborate against the background of the situation in Ukraine
Prime Minister Kishida will visit four African countries and other countries from June 29. I would like to convey my intention to cooperate on food issues that each country is facing against the backdrop of the situation in Ukraine and other issues, and I would like to collaborate with emerging and developing countries called the "Global South."
Ahead of the G4 Hiroshima Summit next month, Prime Minister Kishida will visit four African countries (Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Mozambique) for seven days from June 7, and will also stop in Singapore on his return trip to meet with the leaders of each country.
This is Prime Minister Kishida's first visit to Africa since taking office as Prime Minister.
Emerging and developing countries, including the African countries that I will visit this time, are also known as the "Global South," and many of them have taken an intermediate position in the situation in Ukraine or distanced themselves from developed countries due to global issues such as climate change, and their influence on the international community is increasing.
Prime Minister Kishida attaches great importance to these countries, and in a series of meetings, he will convey his intention to continue cooperation on issues such as food and energy issues that each country is facing.
Bearing in mind Russia's continued invasion of Ukraine and China's increasingly hegemonic behavior, we will call for cooperation toward maintaining and strengthening the international order based on the rule of law.
On the other hand, Minister Hayashi will also visit five Latin American and South American countries, including Peru and Chile, from June 29 to July 7 to confirm cooperation in response to Ukraine and other issues, as well as exchange views on cooperation in areas such as mineral resources.