Foreign Minister Sibikha: Ukraine intends to end the war this year, Putin seeks to continue it

This was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sibikha in an exclusive interview with the Japanese television channel NHK, as reported by Ukrinform.

Sibikha noted that Ukraine aims to end the war this year and does not intend to hinder this process. However, he stressed that Russian leader Putin insists on continuing the war, and that the world expects Moscow to respond to the US request for an immediate temporary cessation of hostilities for 30 days.

The minister said that the Ukrainian national group would begin developing a roadmap for monitoring the vast front line, which stretches more than 1,300 kilometers.

Sibikha also added that Ukraine will hold consultations with the United States and other countries, partly because the country may require international personnel to oversee the ceasefire.

Among other things, the official described Japan as “the closest partner in Asia.”

He expressed gratitude to Japan for its “unceasing, steadfast support from the first minutes of Russia’s brutal aggression.”

When asked what kind of support Ukraine expects from Japan first and foremost, Sibikha replied that the country needs help in recovery.

Read also: Sibikha discussed paths to peace in Ukraine with German Chancellor

He called Japan a “true leader” and added that the recovery also opens up new opportunities for Japanese companies.

As reported by Ukrinform, Foreign Minister Andriy Sibikha noted that immediately after the meeting in Saudi Arabia, the Ukrainian side began to develop algorithms of actions for preliminary control of compliance with a possible ceasefire, as well as the modalities of future peace agreements.