Japan signals cautious support for peace efforts in Ukraine, eyes ceasefire

Japan will carefully assess its role in providing security guarantees to Ukraine by weighing its legal limitations and available capabilities, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on August 19, as U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war against its neighbour continue.

Ishiba’s remarks followed comments by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who told a U.S. television network that Japan is among about 30 countries currently working together on potential security guarantees for Ukraine aimed at deterring any future Russian aggression, Caliber.Az reports via Japanese media.

“We will play our role appropriately by considering what we can and should do within our legal framework and capabilities,” Ishiba told reporters at his office. “At this point, we cannot say specifically what we are going to do,” he added.

Japan’s pacifist Constitution, which renounces war, restricts the use of force to the country’s own self-defence. As a result, Tokyo’s overseas contributions are limited to non-combat roles such as participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations and international anti-piracy missions.

Ishiba also voiced support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to advance peace in Ukraine, highlighting Trump’s talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and with European leaders who expressed their backing on August 18. Trump has proposed holding a trilateral meeting with Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“What is important is to achieve an early cease-fire and a just peace,” Ishiba stressed, underscoring the urgency of preventing further suffering among both Ukrainian and Russian civilians.

Later on Tuesday, Ishiba took part in an online multinational meeting on the Ukraine conflict organised by Britain, France, and Germany, according to the Japanese government.

During the virtual session, the government quoted him as saying that it is essential to end the current situation, in which innocent people and precious lives are being lost, as quickly as possible and to achieve two key goals — an early cease-fire and a just and lasting peace.

By Tamilla Hasanova