Japanese Prime Minister Announces $12 Billion Military Aid to Ukraine
Today's situation in Ukraine may soon spill over into East Asia, according to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in his sharp address to the United States Congress during a working visit, as reported by ABC News.
"The unprovoked, unjust, and brutal Russian aggression against Ukraine has been ongoing for three years now. I have said before that today's Ukraine could become East Asia tomorrow," emphasized the Japanese premier.
He added that Japan has imposed severe sanctions on Russia due to its military aggression against Ukraine.
"We have announced providing Ukraine with over $12 billion in aid, including unmanned aerial vehicle detection systems. This is part of NATO's aid package," noted Kishida.
He also called the United States' leadership on the world stage "irreplaceable." Fumio Kishida noted that U.S. support allows Ukraine to deter Russian aggression and highlighted the role of the United States in supporting the global order.
"Without U.S. support, how quickly would Ukraine's hopes crumble under Moscow's pressure? Without the presence of the United States, how soon would the Indo-Pacific region face even harsher realities?" he asked, pointing out threats from China, North Korea, and Russia in the Indo-Pacific region.
Kishida, who spoke of his close ties with the U.S. dating back to his childhood, also told lawmakers that Japan is "ready to do whatever is necessary" to help the U.S. defend democracy and deter aggression.
During his visit, the Japanese prime minister also met with President Joe Biden and representatives of his administration. The leaders of both countries discussed defense partnership, economic cooperation, as well as the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
At a joint press conference after the meeting with the Japanese prime minister, Joe Biden once again urged Speaker Johnson to bring the issue of aid to Ukraine to a vote, praising Japan for its assistance.
"The war in Ukraine will end if the Speaker of the House allows a vote. An overwhelming majority of Democrats and Republicans support Ukraine. The vote must happen now," Biden said.
Speaker Mike Johnson had previously stated that the House of Representatives would take action on funding for Ukraine with "innovations" when lawmakers return from recess this week. However, as of Wednesday, there were still few signs of progress on how to move forward.