Ukraine and Japan discuss security ties amid Russia-North Korea cooperation

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with a delegation of Japanese lawmakers in Kyiv, led by former Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, to discuss deepening security cooperation. The visit occurred amid intensified Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine.

During the discussions, Sybiha emphasized the growing interconnectedness between European and Indo-Pacific security, specifically citing the increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. He noted that the involvement of North Korean troops in the war against Ukraine demonstrates how regional conflicts now have direct global implications.

The two sides addressed the need for increased pressure on Moscow, including more effective measures to prevent sanctions evasion and the utilization of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Additionally, they discussed Russia’s attempts to disrupt Black Sea shipping, highlighting the necessity of restoring safe navigation to protect global food security and international trade.