Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Fumio Kishida for the comprehensive support of Ukraine by his government and the entire Japanese people. As of March, Japan has provided Ukraine with more than $12 billion in financial support and announced additional assistance for this year.
"Thank you for demonstrating steadfast and unwavering support for the Ukrainian people with every decision and every word. Thank you for helping us to defend our independence in the fight against Russian terror," the Head of State said.
The President of Ukraine also noted the personal role of Fumio Kishida in holding the Japan – Ukraine conference in Tokyo in February this year, where more than 50 bilateral agreements were signed. The two leaders agreed to facilitate their prompt implementation.
Volodymyr Zelensky briefed his interlocutor on the situation on the battlefield, in particular on Russian aerial terror. Since the beginning of the year, Russia has fired nearly a thousand missiles, about 2,800 Shahed drones and almost 7,000 guided aerial bombs at Ukraine.
The Head of State emphasized the importance of increasing sanctions pressure on Russia and creating a mechanism for confiscation of frozen Russian assets. The President noted Japan's introduction of the 23rd package of sanctions against Russia for the war.
"This is a good example for other foreign partners," Volodymyr Zelensky said.
The President outlined Ukraine's needs for non-lethal equipment, in particular, special machinery for the construction of fortifications, demining and medical evacuation.
Volodymyr Zelensky and Fumio Kishida discussed the progress of drafting a bilateral security agreement following three rounds of negotiations.
