February 23, 2026 | 03:04 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ukraine hopes that the administration of Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, will help advance the peace process with Russia.
According to The Japan Times report, former Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Kuninori Matsuda stated this in an interview on Thursday, February 19, 2026, ahead of the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion.
"Ukraine has high expectations for the Takaichi administration," he said.
Matsuda, 66, served as an ambassador in Kyiv from October 2021 to October 2024, including during the early period of the war. He views Japan's role as potentially significant in diplomacy, particularly given that Takaichi has cultivated a positive relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump since assuming office in October. Trump is seen as a key figure in the Washington-mediated peace negotiations.
According to Matsuda, Japan's recent decision to provide additional aid to Ukraine through the NATO framework will "underscore the importance of Japan's role" in the eyes of the international community. He also sees this support as potentially contributing to Japan's security if Tokyo ever needs similar support from other countries.
Crucial Issues in Territorial Disputes
Matsuda stated that the peace negotiations mediated by the U.S., which began last month, have now reached a "critical stage." He rejects the notion that Russia is just buying time. According to him, the conditions facing Moscow are pushing the country to accept the negotiating path.
However, several fundamental issues remain unresolved. "The most difficult issues" include determining the ceasefire line and settling territorial disputes.
To push for progress, Matsuda believes the international community, including European countries and Japan, needs to pressure Russia to make concessions through further sanctions and military support to Ukraine.
Zelensky Pushes Defense Cooperation
Meanwhile, according to a report from Anadolu, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes to expand defense cooperation with Japan and seeks an initial meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi.
In an interview with Kyodo News in Kyiv, published on Friday, February 20, 2026, Zelensky emphasized that the air defense system is crucial for his country. He said the system is "very crucial" and would be "very helpful" if Japan opens a dialogue on cooperation in that area.
"Madame prime minister -- she's very welcome … We can think about it as quick as possible," Zelensky responded to the possibility of a meeting with Takaichi. He expressed readiness to meet "in any format," both on the sidelines of a multilateral forum or through an official visit to Japan.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of cooperating with countries that have licenses to produce air defense systems. He named Japan as one of these countries.
He stressed that the system is not for offensive purposes but to counter Russian missile and drone attacks. As a form of reciprocal cooperation, Zelensky said that Ukraine could share its proven, effective maritime drone technology in order to prevent Russian ships from operating near Ukrainian coastal areas.
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