Embassy of Ukraine in Japan
Chinese Herald A few days ago, due to the Russian army's attack on Ukraine, the Ukrainian Embassy in Japan called on an official Twitter to participate in the "volunteer soldiers" composed of foreigners, and as of March 1, about 70 Japanese people, including former self-defense officers, had signed up. However, the tweet has now been deleted and replaced with an appeal for humanitarian support.
Around the recruitment of "volunteer soldiers", Ukrainian President Zelenskiy said on February 27 that a foreign force composed of volunteers would be formed. The Ukrainian Embassy in Japan also tweeted on the same day that it would accept inquiries about participation.
According to the Ukrainian Embassy, about 70 people enlisted were almost all men. The age range is large, from the 20s to the 60s, and most of them are former self-defense officers. Allegedly, the reasons for the registration included "not allowing Russian troops to attack" and "wanting to stop the war as a Japanese.".
On March 2, the Ukrainian Embassy deleted the recruitment tweet. The content has been changed to target people with experience in medical care, disaster prevention activities, IT, communications, and other fields, and we appeal for support as volunteers. According to some opinions, the background reason may be that the Japanese criminal law stipulates that if you participate in the recruitment of volunteer soldiers, you may commit the crime of preparing for private battles and conspiracy.
The Japanese government and the ruling party have demanded that travel to Ukraine be avoided. Foreign Minister Lin Fangzheng said at a press conference on the 1st that until the tweet, he stressed that "the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a proposal for evacuation of the whole territory of Ukraine." Whatever the purpose, it is hoped that everyone will not travel to the country. At joint meetings such as the Liberal Democratic Party's Foreign Affairs Group, Masahisa Sato, chairman of the group, also stressed that "I hope I absolutely do not go."
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroichi Matsuno revealed at a news conference on March 2 that he had made representations with the Ukrainian Embassy. "Evacuation recommendations have been issued to nationals throughout Ukraine, hoping to avoid travel to the country for whatever purpose," he said. Matsuno said at the press conference, "It has been pointed out to the embassy that [the mainland] has issued evacuation proposals and taken notes." ”
Ukraine has received more than 2 billion yen in donations from 60,000 people in Japan
In addition, Ukraine's ambassador to Japan Kosensky revealed on March 1 that the bank accounts opened by Ukraine have received donations from more than 60,000 people from Japan for humanitarian support caused by the Russian army's offensive, with a total amount of about 2 billion yen (about 110 million yuan).
Kosensky held talks with Kenta Izumi, head of Japan's Constitutional Democratic Party, at the Ukrainian Embassy in Tokyo to thank Japan for its support, including the government.
Kosensky said that "social life in Ukraine has been destroyed and reconstruction requires huge funds". He stressed that "the war should not last long and will end sooner or later." Hope for an early end to the war," adding that "Ukraine will not lose." There will be a defense.".
Kosensky also expressed the hope that after the situation subsided, "Japanese trading companies and construction companies will provide assistance in rebuilding infrastructure." He also expects Japan to accept people who have taken refuge in Japan.