Japanese Prime Minister Visits Ukraine in Rare Trip

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv today, Tuesday, for a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a rare unannounced visit signifying Tokyo's strong support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion, as reported by Japan's public broadcasting organization. The Japanese Foreign Ministry stated that Kishida would express his support and solidarity with Ukraine following the Russian forces' attack on Ukrainian territory over a year ago. Additionally, Kishida is expected to convey his "respect for the courage and perseverance of the Ukrainian people in defending their homeland." Kishida's trip to Ukraine coincides with Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia. In Moscow, the Defense Ministry reported today that two Russian strategic bombers flew over the Sea of Japan for more than seven hours, seemingly in response to Kishida's visit to Ukraine. Details of the Japanese Prime Minister's trip to Ukraine had been shrouded in secrecy until the last moments for security reasons. Chinese President Xi Jinping had arrived at the Kremlin for summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.