INTERVIEW: Ukraine May Expect Japan to Help Advance Peace Talks

Tokyo, Feb. 21 (Jiji Press)–Ukraine may expect the administration of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to play a role in peace negotiations over Russia’s invasion of the country, former Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Kuninori Matsuda has suggested. Matsuda, 66, served as ambassador from October 2021 and October 2024, when the war in Ukraine began. “Ukraine has high expectations for the Takaichi administration,” the former ambassador said in an interview with Jiji Press on Thursday, ahead of the fourth anniversary of the start of the war. He noted that Takaichi has been building a good relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, a key person in the peace negotiations, since taking office last October. Regarding Japan’s recent decision to provide additional assistance to Ukraine under NATO’s framework, Matsuda said that it will “underline the importance of Japan’s role” to the international community. He also said that Japan’s support for Ukraine could “ultimately contribute to Japan’s security” if it finds itself in need of help. Meanwhile, Matsuda said that the U.S.-mediated peace negotiations, which began last month, have reached a “critical stage.” Rejecting the view that Russia is just trying to buy time, Matsuda said that the country is facing a situation that forces it to accept the negotiations. At the same time, Matsuda noted that “the most difficult issues” remain unresolved, such as demarcating the ceasefire line and resolving territorial disputes. To achieve further progress in the negotiations, the international community, including Europe and Japan, needs to “pressure Russia to make concessions” through sanctions against Russia and military support for Ukraine, Matsuda added. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]