Former Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Kuninori Matsuda has suggested that Ukraine expects Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration to play a role in peace negotiations over Russia's invasion. He pointed to Takaichi's good relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. Matsuda stated that the international community needs to pressure Russia for concessions.
Ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, former Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Kuninori Matsuda, 66, said in an interview that Ukraine has high expectations for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration. Matsuda served as ambassador from October 2021 to October 2024, a period that included the war's outset.
"Ukraine has high expectations for the Takaichi administration," Matsuda stated, noting that Takaichi has built a good relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, a key figure in the peace talks, since taking office last October. He described Japan's recent decision to provide additional assistance to Ukraine under NATO's framework as one that will "underline the importance of Japan's role" to the international community. Matsuda also said that such support could "ultimately contribute to Japan's security" if Japan needs help in the future.
The U.S.-mediated peace negotiations, which began last month, have reached a "critical stage." Rejecting the idea that Russia is merely buying time, Matsuda indicated that the country faces a situation compelling it to accept the talks. At the same time, he noted that "the most difficult issues," such as demarcating the ceasefire line and resolving territorial disputes, remain unresolved.
To make further progress, the international community, including Europe and Japan, must "pressure Russia to make concessions" through sanctions against Russia and military support for Ukraine, Matsuda added.
