Germany and Japan call for increased pressure on Russia and additional support for Ukraine stressing the need for firm security guarantees for Ukraine’s defence as part of a “just and lasting peace.”
The comments come as German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visits Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Tokyo on Monday (18 August).
In a joint statement, Wadephul and Iwaya highlighted the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia to encourage its engagement in peace talks. Wadephul welcomed President Donald Trump's efforts to end the conflict but emphasised that the international community must do more to ensure Russia’s commitment to a fair resolution.
"Until Moscow takes meaningful steps towards a just and lasting peace, we must continue to increase the pressure," Wadephul stated. He also expressed gratitude for Japan’s significant financial contribution to Ukraine, which includes $12 billion in aid and robust sanctions on Russia.
The ministers stressed that security guarantees are vital for Ukraine’s future. Wadephul pointed out that any peace agreement must ensure Ukraine's ability to defend itself, even after a ceasefire is reached.
"Firm security guarantees are central, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself effectively even after a ceasefire and peace agreement," he said.
Both ministers also addressed broader regional concerns, particularly China’s role in the conflict. Wadephul raised alarms about China’s support for Russia, noting, "Without China's support, Russia's aggression against Ukraine would not be sustainable."
In addition, they discussed the security situation in the Indo-Pacific, particularly regarding China's actions in the South and East China Seas. Wadephul warned that any attempt by China to alter borders in the region could have severe implications for global security and the economy.
"It is clear that any escalation in this sensitive hub of international trade would have serious consequences," Wadephul added.
Iwaya echoed Wadephul’s concerns, noting that Japan and Germany, as key G7 members, must work closely together to address global challenges and defend common values.
"The international order is facing severe challenges, and it is essential that Japan and Germany continue to collaborate as key partners," Iwaya said.
The meeting comes ahead of important talks between U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders on Monday (18 August). The discussions will focus on securing Ukraine’s future and ensuring that any peace agreement includes solid security guarantees, protecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Saudi Arabia’s air defences have intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone over the Riyadh region, according to the Saudi-led coalition fight...
Police were deployed across Paris on Saturday, as a curfew was set to take effect in the Republique and Chât...
A drone strike hit a power station in northern Sudan early Sunday (1 November), sparking a fire and triggering loud explosions, witnesses said....
The U.S. has approved the sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine in a deal worth an estimated $2.1 billion, but Kyiv could face years of delays before receiving the weapons it urgently needs to defend against intensifying Russian attacks.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has ordered Iran's armed forces to respond to any threat immediately and without geographical limits in statements posted to social media platforms on Saturday (31 October).
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in London.
A Chinese-made AI chip has matched Nvidia’s H200 in tests conducted by its developer, marking a potential breakthrough in China’s efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign technology.
A hacking group linked to North Korea is widely believed to be behind the theft of $6.3 billion from cryptocurrency giant Binance, a cyberattack that experts describe as the largest cryptocurrency heist on record.
Police were deployed across Paris on Saturday, as a curfew was set to take effect in the Republique and Châtelet-Les Halles areas from 11pm Saturday until 6am Sunday (1 November).
A drone strike hit a power station in northern Sudan early Sunday (1 November), sparking a fire and triggering loud explosions, witnesses said.
Gen Z protests swept 34 German cities on Saturday (31 October) over education and living costs. Violence erupted in Frankfurt, where shops were looted and police reported Molotov cocktail attacks.
Iran designated Britain's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations on Sunday, (1 November), and classified the country's foreign intelligence agency, MI6, as a hostile group, according to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
Thousands protested in Albania's capital, Tirana, on Saturday (31 October), demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation over perceived corruption allegations and dissatisfaction with the government over a lack of jobs and poor education standards.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment