Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Japan’s new Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, for Japan’s unwavering support during a recent conversation following Russia’s missile and drone attacks on Ukraine over Christmas. Zelenskyy highlighted the vital role of Japan’s humanitarian and financial aid in alleviating the suffering caused by the ongoing war.
Gratitude for Japanese support
Zelenskyy took to X (formerly Twitter) to share details of his discussion with Prime Minister Ishiba.
“I spoke with Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, congratulating him on his appointment and thanking Japan for its humanitarian and financial aid, which helps us save thousands of lives, including recent support for energy equipment and shelter construction,” he posted.
Zelenskyy underscored the importance of Japan’s contributions, particularly in providing equipment to restore Ukraine’s battered energy system and building shelters. This aid comes at a crucial time as Ukraine faces harsh winter conditions and relentless Russian attacks targeting its energy infrastructure.
Focus on Ukraine’s energy crisis
The Ukrainian leader highlighted Russia’s mass missile and drone strikes, which left parts of Ukraine in darkness and bitter cold over the holiday season.
“I emphasized that protecting and restoring energy systems is a priority as Russia tries to leave Ukrainians without heat and light during winter,” Zelenskyy said, referencing the Christmas-night assaults.
According to Ukrainian officials, over 50 Russian missiles and numerous drones were intercepted by air defences during the attacks. However, some strikes still managed to hit their targets, causing extensive damage to energy facilities. Several regions experienced power outages as repair crews worked tirelessly to restore electricity.
Condemnation of North Korea’s involvement
Zelenskyy also revealed that Prime Minister Ishiba condemned North Korea’s reported support for Russia’s invasion, describing it as a serious escalation and a threat to Indo-Pacific security. Ishiba expressed Japan’s readiness to increase sanctions on Russia, further isolating Moscow on the international stage.
A call for lasting peace
Zelenskyy concluded his post by reiterating Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace” and called for international collaboration to make this a reality.
“We need a just and lasting peace, and only joint efforts can bring it closer to all of us,” Zelenskyy stated, emphasising the importance of global unity in the face of aggression.
Russia’s Christmas attacks
Earlier, Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s Christmas-night assault on Ukraine, labelling it “inhumane.” The attacks targeted critical infrastructure, including power grids, leaving many without electricity in freezing temperatures.
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“According to preliminary reports, our defenders managed to shoot down more than 50 missiles and a significant number of drones,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. However, he noted that some regions still suffered power outages due to direct hits, with power engineers working around the clock to restore supply.
Casualties and damage
Reports indicate that the strikes caused both civilian casualties and widespread damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
In southern Ukraine, one person was killed and three others injured by Russian missile strikes, according to the governor of Kherson. In the northeast, six people were wounded in a ballistic missile attack on Kharkiv, Governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed. Meanwhile, in Dnipropetrovsk, Russian forces targeted a power grid, according to Governor Serhiy Lysak.
These attacks have placed additional strain on Ukraine’s already stretched resources, underscoring the critical need for continued international support.
Japan’s increasing role
Japan’s support for Ukraine has grown steadily, with financial aid and material assistance playing a key role in mitigating the war’s devastating effects. Prime Minister Ishiba’s condemnation of Russian aggression and North Korea’s involvement reflects Japan’s commitment to upholding global security and supporting Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty.
Conclusion
The conversation between President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Ishiba highlights the importance of international alliances in addressing both the humanitarian and infrastructural crises caused by the war in Ukraine. With winter exacerbating the challenges, Zelenskyy’s call for the protection and restoration of critical infrastructure resonates strongly, further underscoring the urgency of global support in Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.
