Japan extends diplomatic, financial support to Ukraine

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japan said Tuesday it will provide at least a $100 loan to Ukraine in addition to extending diplomatic support to Kyiv.

“Ukraine is an important partner in sharing basic values such as freedom and democracy,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a telephone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Kishida said Japan will provide the loan “on the request of the Ukrainian side,” according to a statement by Japan’s Foreign Ministry.

The prime minister said Japan has been “paying close attention” to the situation around the Ukrainian border amid the troop deployment by Russia.

“Japan has consistently supported Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Kishida.

Kishida asserted that any “changes to the status quo would never be accepted.”

The Japanese premier supported Ukraine's “pursuit of a solution through diplomatic efforts while maintaining a restraining stance under severe circumstances.”

“The two leaders agreed to work together to ease tensions through diplomatic efforts,” the statement added.

Tensions in Ukraine have been increasing for months after Russia, according to Ukrainian officials, amassed tens of thousands of troops near Ukraine’s border, which the West said is preparation for war.

NATO and the EU have warned of severe consequences if Moscow invades its neighbor.

Russia has repeatedly denied that it plans to attack Ukraine, insisting that its troops are there only for exercises.