Japanese Kishida: "No Decisions Made Regarding Ukraine Visit"

Regarding Ukraine's Invitation, "Will Review Considering Various Situations"

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is speaking at a New Year's press conference held on the 4th in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who was requested to visit Ukraine, said on the 6th, "I will consider it carefully, taking various situations into account."

That afternoon, Prime Minister Kishida spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and told reporters at the Prime Minister's Office, "At this point, no decision has been made regarding the visit to Ukraine."

Among the Group of Seven (G7) member countries, except for Japan and the United States, the leaders visited Kyiv and other areas after the outbreak of the Ukraine war in February last year to hold talks with President Zelensky.

President Zelensky visited Washington DC last month and held talks with U.S. President Joe Biden.

During the call with President Zelensky, Prime Minister Kishida strongly condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine and emphasized that Japan would play an active role as the G7 chair country.

Prime Minister Kishida also promised, "We will fully support the Ukrainian people to get through the winter." He added, "President Zelensky expressed gratitude for Japan's support and explained the war situation."