Mar 03 (NHK) - Japan will accept refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said, "To show our solidarity with people of Ukraine, we will accept those who fled from Ukraine to a third country."
Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa told Ukraine's ambassador to Japan that Tokyo will work with other G7 members and the wider international community for a ceasefire.
Hayashi said, "I was deeply moved to see Ukrainian people fight for their nation's sovereignty and independence. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the victims of the Russian aggression."
Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky said, "Ukraine is facing a grave challenge now. On behalf of the people of my country, I express my deep gratitude for Japan's support."
An opposition lawmaker said at a Diet meeting the ambassador's request for an appointment with Hayashi went unmet for one month. The lawmaker accused the government of lax crisis management. Hayashi replied he was not aware of the request.
Ukraine's ambassador told NHK there are ways to counter Russia's overwhelming military power.
Ambassador Korsunsky said, "We're not asking anybody to fight on our side. We're just standing -- it's our war. What we ask for my partners, that's weapons, and political support, and financial resources to survive humanitarian crisis. They help in any possible way, so therefore, we believe we'll survive. With partners, friends, we're not alone."
