Japan PM urges G7 leaders to impose new sanctions on Russia

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has called on the Group of Seven countries to show solidarity in supporting Ukraine, and imposing sanctions on Russia as fighting drags on between the two countries.

The G7 leaders met online on February 25, to mark the second anniversary since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, according to NHK.

Italy, which holds the rotating presidency this year, called for the summit.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined the group at the beginning of the meeting.

Kishida said it was important to show solidarity with Ukraine now because the situation is tough due to the prolonged fighting. He said supporting the country will continue to be one of his top priorities this year.

Kishida reported on the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction that was held in Tokyo on February 19. He said the two countries signed over 50 memorandums of cooperation, including for removal of landmines and restoring agriculture.

Kishida also said that he plans to impose additional sanctions on Russian individuals and organizations.

Kishida stressed that the export of weapons from North Korea to Russia was a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. He said the use of North Korean-made ballistic missiles in Ukraine is absolutely unacceptable.

Kishida said he wants to work together with G7 nations in supporting Ukraine and sanctioning Russia to achieve a fair and lasting peace.