Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her commitment to maintaining sanctions against Russia during a summit on Ukraine, NHK and other outlets reported today.

Attending the "Coalition of the Willing" summit virtually last night Japan time, Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized, "We will work together with the international community to support Ukraine and uphold sanctions against Russia."

At the "Coalition of the Willing" meeting held in Kyiv, Ukraine, leaders from various countries reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine.

Congratulating Ukraine on its 35th anniversary of independence, Prime Minister Takaichi repeatedly paid tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as they stand against Russia's aggression.

She also stressed that the importance of the principled stance that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force must not be tolerated remains unchanged. She noted that just as Russia demonstrates military cooperation with North Korea and strengthened cooperation with China regarding Ukraine, the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is inseparably intertwined.

Furthermore, she stated that it is essential for the international community to unite and support Ukraine in order to bring about a just and lasting peace as quickly as possible.

Prime Minister Takaichi's expression of commitment to anti-Russia sanctions comes amid a recent flare-up of tensions between Japan and Russia over a territorial dispute.

On the 13th, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the four disputed islands claimed by both Russia and Japan (known in Japan as the Northern Territories), prompting a strong backlash from Japan.

At the time, Prime Minister Takaichi stated, "The Northern Territories are inherently Japanese territory, historically and under international law, and we strongly protest this visit."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)