Japan's Foreign Minister Visits Kyiv Amid Rising North Korea-Russia Military Alliance
Japan's Foreign Minister, Takeshi Iwaya, arrived in Kyiv on Saturday to discuss the increasingly concerning military ties between North Korea and Russia, particularly the deployment of thousands of North Korean troops to aid Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Iwaya is set to meet with Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha to reaffirm Japan's commitment to supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion and to deliberate on additional sanctions targeting Moscow.
The Japanese Foreign Ministry expressed grave concern regarding the escalating military collaboration between North Korea and Russia. Intelligence assessments from the US, South Korea, and Ukraine suggest that as many as 12,000 North Korean troops have crossed into Russia under a significant defense agreement between the two nations. Just last week, reports indicated that conflict had occurred between Ukrainian and North Korean troops, with Ukrainian forces firing artillery at North Korean soldiers situated in Russia's Kursk border region, following a surprise military push by Ukraine on August 6.
Sybiha remarked that Ukraine's intelligence believes North Korea is providing aid to Russia's military campaign in exchange for greater access to Russian missile, nuclear, and other advanced military technology. He emphasized that the deepening military-technical cooperation among Russia, North Korea, and Iran poses a direct threat not only to Europe but extends to Southeast Asia and the Middle East as well. During a joint press conference with Iwaya, Sybiha asserted that only robust and systematic support for Ukraine could effectively deter Russia and pave the way for a comprehensive and lasting peace.
The discussions also included Japan's potential role in realizing a victory plan and peace formula for Ukraine amidst new speculations regarding future negotiations, especially following the recent interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy indicated that he aims to leverage diplomatic channels to bring an end to the ongoing war next year.
The backdrop of these talks coincides with a renewed focus on potential negotiations, spurred by former US President Donald Trump's recent election victory on November 5. Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also engaged in their first phone conversation in nearly two years on Friday, signaling a shift in diplomatic engagements.
However, Zelenskyy was cautious about the increased willingness from Russia to engage in discussions, warning that it does not necessarily indicate a sincere desire for peace. He urged the US to maintain its stance that the Kremlin has violated Ukraine's territorial integrity and international law. "I don't think Putin wants peace at all. But that does not mean that he doesn't want to sit down with world leaders," Zelenskyy cautioned. He noted that engaging in talks could serve to mitigate the political isolation the Kremlin has faced since the war's onset while benefiting Russia by providing a platform for dialogue without substantive progress.
In related developments, overnight drone attacks from Russia targeted Kyiv, resulting in damage to residential structures and infrastructure in the Obolon district. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. According to Kyiv's military administration head, Serhii Popko, Ukrainian air defenses managed to neutralize approximately a dozen drones, while the Ukrainian air force reported that of the 83 Shahed drones launched by Russia in a morning attack, 55 were destroyed, and others either veered off course or malfunctioned due to electronic jamming.
Meanwhile, Russia's defense ministry claimed the destruction of 35 Ukrainian drones, including 20 over the Kursk region and 11 near Bryansk. These incidents underscore the ongoing volatility and complexity of the conflict as diplomatic efforts continue amid heightened military engagements.
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