Russia's military aggression against Ukraine continues.



Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces continues across Ukraine, forcing thousands of civilians to flee the country.

We will keep you updated on the developments regarding the situation in Ukraine on the 28th (Japan time), such as the situation of the fighting and the diplomacy of the countries concerned.



(There is a 7-hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine, and a 6-hour time difference with Moscow, Russia.)

One year after the military invasion, housing reconstruction has not progressed

In Ukraine, even one year after the military invasion by Russia, the reconstruction of houses destroyed by the Russian army has become a major issue.



The Ukrainian government said that as of December last year, 150,000 houses had been completely destroyed or partially damaged across the country.



Of these, in Irpin near Kyiv, which was severely attacked by the Russian army at the beginning of the military invasion in February last year, many of the apartments and houses that were destroyed and ruined remained untouched on the 27th, when the NHK reporting team arrived. was left.

The house of Natalia Tukaro (62), who lives in Irpin, was also bombarded in March last year, and suffered great damage, including the roof and walls collapsing.



However, after that, for half a year, he could not find a place to move to, and was sheltering from the rain and dew in a collapsed room.

With the help of a support group, she now lives in a nearby vacant house with her 36-year-old son.



“Everything I have lived and my home has been taken away by the shelling,” said Tukaro.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen visits Ukraine, promises continued support

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made an unannounced visit to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky.



During the meeting, Secretary Yellen promised continued support, saying, "The fight of the Ukrainian people is our fight, and we will continue to walk together with Ukraine."



So far, the United States has provided approximately 50 billion dollars in Japanese yen and 6.8 trillion yen in aid. reiterated that it will contribute



In addition, referring to the words of President Zelensky's speech when he visited Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, in December last year, he said, "Support is not a charity act, but an investment in global security and democracy." It is important to double the support of the

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister emphasizes neutral position on visit to Ukraine

Middle East Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal visited Ukraine, where Russia continues to invade, on the 26th and met with President Zelensky and others.

The Saudi government said that it would work to resolve the political crisis between Ukraine and Russia.



According to the Ukrainian government, this is the first time a Saudi foreign minister has visited Ukraine.



President Zelensky welcomed the visit, saying, "I would like to thank you for your visit. It is an important sign of your support for Ukraine."



Saudi Arabia, one of the world's leading oil producers, has a cooperative relationship with Russia in adjusting crude oil production, and has maintained good relations even after Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, but the Saudi government has sent a foreign minister to Ukraine. By doing so, it seems that there is an aim to emphasize that it is a neutral position in the international community.

Expert “China cannot think of acting as an intermediary”

Regarding the visit to China by President Lukashenko of Belarus, Professor Tomoki Kamo of Keio University, who is familiar with Chinese politics and diplomacy, said, ``Under the circumstances of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China itself, as a major power, has been receiving a lot of attention from various quarters. It may be aimed at appealing to the international community that the attitude of listening to the voices of the people is being heard."



He added, "China neither supports nor criticizes Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and continues to insist that the issue should be resolved through large-scale political dialogue. Following President Lukashenko's visit to China, China immediately It is unthinkable for China to declare that it will act as a mediator," he said, adding that China is unlikely to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine in the near future for ceasefire negotiations.



Regarding the release of a document by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 24 indicating its position on the situation in Ukraine, he said, "China's position is very cautious and does not intend to play an active role in this war. It should be seen as a stepping stone for China to maintain a better environment in its diplomatic activities and broaden its diplomatic options. He expressed his view that he will continue to take a position toward the transformation.

Belarusian president visits China

Belarusian President Lukashenko, who is allied with Russia, is scheduled to visit China on the 28th and meet with President Xi Jinping.

The visit, reportedly at the invitation of President Xi, is Lukashenko's first visit to China since Russia's military invasion of Ukraine began last February.



Through the visit, the two leaders are expected to discuss not only the strengthening of economic relations between the two countries, but also the situation in Ukraine.



Regarding assistance to Russia, the US government is increasing pressure not to supply China with weapons, saying that China is considering military assistance to Russia such as drones and ammunition.



In an analysis on the 25th, the American think tank "War Research Institute" said that there is a possibility that weapons will be supplied from China to Russia via Belarus, "China will use Belarus to make it difficult to understand sanctions violations. It may be said that

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine

William Taylor, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, responded to an NHK interview that Ukraine is expected to strengthen its reversal offensive from spring to summer this year, focusing on the situation surrounding Crimea, which Russia has unilaterally annexed. announced the prospect of becoming



"If Ukraine can get most of the Russian army out, we may come to the negotiating table and discuss how to diplomatically take back Crimea," Taylor said, adding that Ukraine could turn the war situation into a very favorable one. After bringing it to the state, he called for a ceasefire with Russia and indicated the possibility of starting negotiations over Crimea.



On the other hand, he also said, "The United States advises Ukraine not to use American weapons on Russian territory, but Crimea is not Russian territory." It is not that the United States does not recognize this.



Regarding the possibility that Russia will use nuclear weapons at that time, he said, "From the Russian point of view, both domestically and internationally, it is irrational and very low. Mr. Putin is not saying that it is not irrational." said.



"Ukraine will never give up any territory, including Crimea," Taylor said, urging Western countries to step up their support until Ukraine restores its territorial integrity.