Zelenskyy thanked Japan for being the first Asian country that sanctioned Russia, and asked Tokyo to do more. To stop Russian investment, he said that trade should be prohibited with Russia and that foreign companies should leave the Ukrainian market.
Japan has been firm against Russia since the invasion. This is in line with other Group of Seven members, but Tokyo’s actions have provoked retaliation by Moscow. Russia announced this week that it will cease peace talks with Japan regarding the disputed Kuril Islands, and will withdraw from joint economic projects there. This was citing Tokyo’s sanction.
A compromise by Japan could create a negative precedent in East Asia where China is increasingly assertive with its military actions.
Zelenskyy’s speech broadcast live in a parliamentary room packed with hundreds, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishhida.
Zelenskyy, wearing his trademark olive-colored top and critiquing Russian attacks on Chernobyl after the 1986 explosion, spoke for about ten minutes. He also said that Russia had turned a nearby nuclear waste storage facility into a battlefield. He said that it was difficult to imagine how long it would take to clear up the mess once the war is over.
Zelenskyy spoke through an interpreter, who translated his Ukrainian into Japanese. He also expressed concern about Russia’s possible use of chemical and nuclear weapons.
Zelenskyy criticised the United Nations Security Council in which Russia is among five permanent members.
Zelenskyy’s speech came just hours before Kishida was due to depart for Brussels to join other leaders of Group of Seven countries at an emergency NATO leaders’ meeting.
Japan expressed solidarity with Ukraine, providing it with humanitarian aid and non-lethal military equipment like bulletproof jackets and binoculars. Japan is well-known for its strict refugee policy and immigration policies. However, it has pledged to welcome Ukrainians fleeing their country.
While former President George W. Bush of the United States and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines have given addresses during their visits to Japan, it is rare for a foreign dignitary to deliver an online speech.
Zelenskyy has given online speeches to legislators in many other countries, including the United States of America, Britain, Germany and Canada. He often strikes a chord with audiences, putting the events in Ukraine into historical contexts.