Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reaffirmed Japan’s continued support for Ukraine and its sanctions against Russia during her first face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The two leaders met for about 20 minutes on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 22. Takaichi said Japan would continue working with the international community to support Ukraine and maintain sanctions against Russia.
Takaichi said international cooperation remained essential to achieving what she described as a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. She also reaffirmed that Japan’s policy of standing with Ukraine would not change.
Zelenskyy thanked Japan for its assistance and sanctions against Russia. He also expressed interest in deeper cooperation between the two countries, including opportunities for Japanese companies to participate in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The meeting came as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues into its fifth year, with Kyiv seeking continued international support while diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain ongoing.
Zelenskyy has also indicated interest in cooperation involving Japan’s technology and expertise, while Ukrainian officials have discussed areas including energy assistance, infrastructure protection and reconstruction.
For Japan, the meeting reinforced Tokyo’s stated policy of supporting Ukraine while coordinating its response to Russia with other countries. Takaichi’s talks with Zelenskyy also came during an active series of diplomatic meetings in New York as world leaders gathered for the UN General Assembly.
The encounter puts Japan’s Ukraine policy firmly on the agenda of Takaichi’s new administration, with Tokyo signaling that its support for Kyiv and sanctions on Moscow will continue as the war and international efforts toward a lasting settlement remain unresolved.
