President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held separate meetings with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, focusing on strengthening international support as Russia escalates missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
During his meeting with Ajay Banga, Zelensky highlighted the brutal surge in Russian strikes in recent weeks, with hundreds of missiles and drones targeting civilian sites.
“These attacks are becoming increasingly brutal, which makes it vital to step up support for Ukraine,” the President said.
Banga expressed condolences over the recent losses of Ukrainian lives caused by the attacks and reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s economic stability. Zelensky acknowledged the critical role of the World Bank’s financial assistance and collaboration with investors in maintaining the country’s economy during the war.
The discussions focused on expanding World Bank support for damage assessment, reintegration of Ukrainian warriors, and especially the development and management of Ukraine’s energy sector and reconstruction projects. Both leaders also stressed the importance of coordinated donor efforts to pool global resources for Ukraine’s recovery, with Zelensky counting on increased international cooperation.
In a separate meeting, Zelensky expressed gratitude to Japan and its people for their unwavering support since the onset of Russia’s aggression.
“We have suffered major strikes against our people, especially civilian infrastructure and the energy system. What happened last night — 440 Iranian Shahed drones — is yet another example of Russia’s conduct,” Zelensky said, thanking Japan for its aid, security support for Ukraine’s energy systems, and humanitarian assistance.
Prime Minister Ishiba noted that Japan has already provided over $12 billion in aid, including a recent $3.3 billion allocation funded by interest from frozen Russian assets.
“Japan’s position remains unchanged and unwavering: a just and lasting peace must be established in Ukraine as soon as possible,” he emphasized, pledging continued cooperation with the international community and the G7.
The two leaders discussed the growing threat posed by Russia’s cooperation with North Korea and Iran, which endangers not only Europe but also Southeast Asia. Both agreed that increased pressure and tougher sanctions are necessary to compel Russia toward peace.
Zelensky briefed Ishiba on Ukraine’s urgent defense needs to protect citizens from missile and drone attacks. The discussions also covered cooperation in the defense industry, including potential Japanese investment in Ukraine’s drone production.
Finally, the leaders addressed Ukraine’s reconstruction program, with Japan expressing strong interest in participating in recovery projects aimed at rebuilding the war-torn country.
These high-level talks underscore Ukraine’s urgent need for coordinated international support in the face of intensified Russian aggression and highlight the critical role of economic aid, security assistance, and reconstruction partnerships in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for peace and stability.
