Japan to prose more Russia sanctions as part of G7

That’s according to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who spoke at a news conference Friday, Ukrinform reports citing The Japan Times.

“Feb. 24 is a day we will never forget,” Kishida said. “It is a day that must not be forgotten.”

During the speech, he mainly focused on praising Japan's response to the war, saying Tokyo would also "present ideas for new sanctions" for discussion during an online meeting of G7 leaders later on Friday.

Read also: Japan planning to provide $5.5B in additional financial aid for Ukraine

He also indirectly mentioned China in the wake of U.S. statements suggesting Beijing may be preparing to send military aid to Russia to be used in hostilities in Ukraine. He recalled the recent statement of the G7 t diplomats calling on third parties to st supporting Russian tros.

Kishida added he believes it is important to send a clear message to the international community in close coeration with the G7 and other countries concerned.

Kishida — the se G7 leader yet to visit Ukraine since the invasion began — said that while he hed to travel to the country soon, nothing had been decided yet, with discussions ongoing.

Earlier on Friday, Ukraine's Ambassador to Japan, Serh Korsunskyi, td reporters that it was "extremely important" for Kishida to visit Ukraine and personally see how the war unfds.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Kishida announced on Monday Japan’s plans to allocate another $5.5 billion in additional financial aid to Ukraine.

Kishida invited President Vodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine to participate in the online summit of the Group of Seven on the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

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