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 on the 20th (Japan time), including the status of the fighting and diplomacy of the countries concerned.
(There is a 6-hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine and Moscow, Russia)
President Zelensky complains about Arab countries maintaining cooperation with Russia
President Zelensky of Ukraine attended the Arab League Summit Meeting held in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia, on the 19th.
This is the first visit to the Middle East by President Zelensky since the start of Russia's military invasion.
In his speech, President Zelensky said, "Unfortunately, there are countries in the world, including this one, that have turned a blind eye to Russia's illegal annexation," and expressed bitterness to Arab countries that have maintained cooperative relations with Russia even after Russia's military invasion.
He then stated, "No matter how much influence Russia exerts, I want you to take an honest look," and called on Arab countries to take a tough stance against Russia.
With regard to Arab countries, many countries, including Saudi Arabia, which has close relations with Russia through OPEC Plus, have maintained cooperative relations with Russia in the energy field even after the invasion of Ukraine, and President Zelensky has pierced the nail in Arab countries.
He then called for support for Ukraine's 10 items for peace, including the withdrawal of Russian troops.
Japan government decides to impose additional sanctions on Russia
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara revealed that the Government of Japan has decided to impose additional sanctions on Russia, coinciding with the release of the Leaders' Statement on Ukraine at the session on the first day of the G7 Hiroshima Summit.
Specifically, it will add approximately 100 individuals and entities, including Russian actors involved in the evasion of sanctions and the reverse, to the scope of asset freezes.
It will also add about 80 Russian military entities to the list of organizations that will ban exports from Japan, as well as architecture and engineering in areas that prohibit the provision of services to Russia.