Statement by State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. TSUJI Kiyoto, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine

February 23, 2024

Madame President,

I thank Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing.

Two years ago, Russia started its brutal aggression against Ukraine. And I joined here today to strongly condemn Russia for continuing this aggression and hostilities right up to the present day.

Madame President,

We condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. This blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, cannot be justified. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine must be respected. This is not only a European issue, nor just an issue of the so-called “Russia and the West”. Any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force must not be tolerated anywhere in the world.

Many civilians have lost their lives or been injured. And Russia’s attacks on hospitals, schools, power plants, and other critical infrastructure are not just destroying the present lives of the Ukrainian people, but also threatening their future. International law, including international humanitarian law, must be upheld. All perpetrators of this atrocity must be held accountable.

Russia’s procurement of ballistic missiles from North Korea and their use against Ukraine is absolutely unacceptable. Any transfer of weapons or related equipment and technology, low quality by the way if I may add between Russia and North Korea is a clear violation of relevant Security Council resolutions. And we are also deeply concerned about any possible transfer of nuclear and ballistic missile-related technology to North Korea.

Russia’s threat to use nuclear weapons is a serious and unacceptable menace to the peace and security of the international community.

Madame President,

We respect the efforts of many countries to seek peace. However, it is inappropriate to equate the aggressor and the victim, and to demand diplomatic efforts on both sides as if both sides are at fault.

Japan reiterates that peace must be based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. In this regard, Japan supports President Zelenskyy’s efforts to his Peace Formula.

We must achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, which the overwhelming majority of the General Assembly and the Security Council have been calling for. We must uphold the international order based on the rule of law.

Madame President,

Since my visit to Kyiv last November, I have been working hard to materialize the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. And on February 19th, Japan invited Prime Minister Shmyhal to Tokyo for the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction.

At the conference, we confirmed our intention to promote close public-private cooperation and agreed on the importance of medium- to long-term support with consideration to women and children. Our public and private sectors will further support Ukraine, taking into account the country’s needs.

Madame President,

We once again strongly strongly urge Russia to cease its aggression and withdraw immediately and unconditionally from all internationally recognized territories of Ukraine.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Excellencies,

This is a matter of principle. It is beyond politics. Therefore, Japan with its ally and partners will continue to stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.

I thank you.