Statement by H.E. Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on "the Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine"

 

Thank you, Mr. President,
 
I thank Secretary Lammy for organizing this meeting. I would also like to thank USG DiCarlo for her comprehensive briefing.
 
It has been thousand days since Russia began its aggression against the sovereign nation of Ukraine. To the people of Ukraine who have been defending their country for these thousand days, we express our deepest respect and unwavering solidarity.
 
Last Saturday, Minister for Foreign Affairs IWAYA visited Ukraine and directly expressed to Minister SYBIHA Japan's intention to cooperate with Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and stated that our steadfast commitment to stand with Ukraine remains unchanged.
 
Mr. President,
 
We are appalled by the massive and widespread missile barrage on Ukraine over the past week, which caused the casualties of innocent civilians. We will continue to condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s illegal aggression, which has caused unimaginable human rights violations and abuses in the territory of Ukraine, in addition to the ongoing brutal attacks destroying critical civilian infrastructure.

We repeat: Russia must immediately cease its aggression, withdraw from Ukraine, and respect Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
 
Mr. President,
 
Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine with not only its own arsenal but also weapons supplied by North Korea, violating the relevant Security Council resolutions which Russia had itself agreed upon. There is clear evidence and subterfuge should never be tolerated in this Chamber.
 
The situation now enters another dimension as North Korea’s soldiers have been dispatched to Russia and they are now engaged in combat against Ukraine. Such involvement in Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine constitutes a clear violation of international law, including the UN Charter.
 
North Korea’s direct support for Russia in this regard has serious potential consequences for European and Indo-Pacific peace and security. “Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow,” I would like to emphasize this point. We condemn in the strongest terms this unlawful, unjustified, and unacceptable military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
 
We also reiterate our deep concern about military cooperation between Iran and Russia. The international community must refrain from supporting Russia’s aggression directly or indirectly.
 
Mr. President,
 
The importance of diplomacy and dialogue for peace is indisputable. However, it should be crystal clear that Ukraine is not the one who is waging this war. Ukraine was forced to fight to defend itself. It is Russia that launched an unprovoked war of aggression. Once Russia stops its aggression and withdraws to the internationally recognized border, it will end immediately.
 
What is needed now is not a call for “peace” that ignores Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, nor a demand for both sides to de-escalate in an equal manner, which only rewards the aggressor. The question is whether to uphold or disregard the principles of the UN Charter. It cannot be clearer who violates the Charter.
 
We must uphold the international order based on the rule of law and never tolerate violations of international law.
 
Japan will continue its diplomatic efforts, together with Ukraine and the international community, to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
 
Mr. President,
 
Japan is committed to and will continue its long-term efforts to rebuild the lives of the Ukrainian people and the entire country. We have already pledged over 12 billion dollars in support of Ukraine in the areas of humanitarian assistance, recovery, reconstruction and finance, which are steadily being implemented. We will continue to provide support, including in the areas of energy supply and landmine removal.
 
To conclude, Mr. President,
 
We emphasize that any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force is unacceptable anywhere in the world.
 
Japan stands firmly with Ukraine until peace and justice prevail.
 
I thank you.