Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday expressed strong “indignation” during a visit to Bucha, a town near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv where Russian forces were accused of widespread atrocities.
Russian troops were accused of massacring civilians in Bucha, which they occupied for several weeks in early 2022. Moscow denies the allegation.
“As I step foot in Bucha today, and witness all the brutality that took place here, I have a strong sentiment of indignation,” he said in translated remarks.
“All the world is shocked by the atrocity that was committed in the city of Bucha.”
Kishida is the last Group of Seven leader to visit Ukraine.
He has come under increasing pressure to make the trip as Japan hosts the G7 summit this May.
Kishida visited Bucha ahead of an expected meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“This historic visit is a sign of solidarity and strong cooperation between (Ukraine and Japan),” Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova said.
“We are grateful to Japan for its strong support and contribution to our future victory,” she said.
Kishida’s trip coincided with a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow for talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, with the Ukraine conflict high on the agenda.
Japan has joined Western allies in sanctioning Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, while offering support to Kyiv.
© Agence France-Presse
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