Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing , Agenda Item "Threat to International Peace and Security"

I thank USG Nakamitsu and briefers for their briefing.
 
Madam President,
 
Russia requested this meeting to “discuss the issue of increasing supplies of weapons to Ukraine and their implications on diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis.” It seems to focus on supporters of Ukraine in the current tragic situation, but we must not lose sight of the root cause.
 
Japan has to repeat its basic position. It is Russia that initiated the unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. We therefore underscore Ukraine’s right of self-defense against aggression. The arms are provided to Ukraine in order to defend itself.

The international community is lending its support to Ukraine in order to stop Russia’s aggression for maintaining international peace and security. By contrast, no nation should support Russia’s aggression.
 
Japan has expressed its position on the transfer of UAVs from Iran to Russia. Moreover, we are concerned by reports of arms transactions between Russia and North Korea. Any transaction of arms with North Korea is violation of relevant Security Council resolutions and should be condemned. Japan is closely monitoring related developments.
 
Madam President,
 
Any efforts for a diplomatic resolution to end this war should have its base on justice. We all know the indisputable facts that, as stated by the overwhelming majority of the UN General Assembly, Russia’s aggression is a clear violation of international law including the UN Charter. Japan is not convinced by the argument that the efforts to support self-defense deter diplomatic efforts to end aggression.
 
Let me pose a question. If a neighboring country launched a war of aggression against your homeland, occupied your territory, and then argued diplomatic efforts to end aggression, what would be the response? For most of sovereign States such an argument is unacceptable.
 
Instead of linking support to Ukraine and various diplomatic efforts, Russia must withdraw all of its troops and military equipment from Ukraine and respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. 
 
I thank you.