Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi believes that the situation around Ukraine could change dramatically, despite the fact that a number of interested countries are making diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The diplomat said that Japan consistently supports the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
“Despite the diplomatic efforts of the countries concerned, there is a possibility that the situation (around Ukraine.— “b”) can change dramatically,” Mr. Hayashi said. He also recalled the recent talks between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and US President Joe Biden, during which they reaffirmed their determination to work closely together to “prevent Russia’s invasion” of Ukraine. “We will continue close cooperation on this issue with the international community, primarily with the G7 countries,” the diplomat added.
At the same time, he did not answer the question of whether Japan plans to impose sanctions against Russia in the event of an invasion of Ukraine. “Our actions in case of Russian invasion (on Ukraine.— “b”) is a hypothetical question, so I would like to avoid answering it,” explained Mr. Hayashi.
Recently, the Western media have been actively discussing Russia’s buildup of troops on the border with Ukraine. NATO countries and the United States believe that Russia intends to attack Ukraine, but the Russian authorities call these reports a provocation. Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia does not want war, but will not allow its interests to be ignored.
On the eve of the situation in Ukraine for the first time since the beginning of the escalation of the conflict discussed in the UN Security Council. The United States and Ukraine itself demanded to convene the meeting, while Russia was categorically against holding such an event. The permanent representative of the Russian Federation, Vasily Nebenzya, accused the United States of “working for the public” and “fostering hysteria” around the imminent “Russian invasion.”
Read more about the situation around Ukraine in the material “Kommersant” “In an environment of increased sobriety.”