Zelenskyy invites Japan PM Takaichi to visit Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit Kyiv, Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Eisuke Mori said Tuesday following talks with the Ukrainian leader.

Speaking to Kyodo News, Mori said Zelenskyy made the request during their meeting and that he had responded that he would “appropriately convey” it to Takaichi.

“I will tell (the prime minister) that there was a request for her to come. I think she and those around her will consider whether to visit,” Mori said.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Kyiv in 2023, but Takaichi, who took office last October, has yet to travel to the Ukrainian capital.

Zelenskyy has repeatedly called on leaders and senior officials from other countries to visit Kyiv as a way of highlighting what he describes as the inhumanity of Russia’s full-scale invasion, launched in February 2022.

Mori said Japan should coordinate with other countries to increase pressure on Russia, underscoring the need for a united international response to the war.

The discussions also covered potential bilateral cooperation in drone technology and unmanned surface vessels, areas in which Ukraine has been pursuing technological innovation amid the war.

“I think Japan should cooperate with an open mind,” Mori said.

Zelenskyy later said on social media that the presence of the Japanese delegation in Kyiv despite security threats was a significant gesture of support.

“The Japanese delegation being in Kyiv despite all the threats is a true sign of respect -- and we deeply appreciate it. And we will always be glad to welcome the Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, to Ukraine,” Zelenskyy wrote.

He added that the talks had also covered energy assistance for Ukraine ahead of winter, as well as defence cooperation.

By Tamilla Hasanova