Former Prime Minister Mori shaking hands with President Putin (2017, photo: representative photo/AP/Aflo)
On January 25, former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori said of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, “It is almost unthinkable that Russia will lose. If that happens, things will be much worse.”
Speech at the 120th anniversary reception of the Japan-India Association, of which he was once chairman. Regarding the Fumio Kishida administration’s foreign policy toward Russia and its assistance to Ukraine, he questioned, “We’ve come this far with all the money we’ve accumulated, so is it really okay for us to put so much effort into Ukraine?”
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Mr. Mori has a close relationship with Russian President Putin and has worked for many years to improve and strengthen Japan-Russia relations. However, his remarks at a time when the international community is collaborating on sanctions against Russia and assistance to Ukraine have generated a lot of criticism on social media.
《If you open your mouth, it’s position talk. The reason why it becomes a problem every time is because this person’s standing position is completely inappropriate.
《As expected of Putin and great friends w》
“If you have such a good relationship, go to Russia and stop the war.”
Former Prime Minister Mori also said this in November 2022 when he gave a greeting at a party for Muneo Suzuki, a member of the Japan Restoration Party.
“How is it that only Putin is being criticized and Mr. Zelensky is not being scolded at all?
On January 22nd, lawmaker Muneo Suzuki wrote on his blog about Prime Minister Kishida’s consideration of a visit to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
《I heard that you are aiming to visit in February, but I wonder if you are visiting Ukraine in consideration of the geopolitical situation of Japan and national interests. I would like Japan to carefully consider whether Russia or Ukraine is more important.”
Prime Minister Kishida has described Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as “an unjust and brutal war of aggression” and “an outrageous violation of international law that shakes the very foundations of the international order.”
On the 26th, the day after Mori’s remarks were reported, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kihara said, “The government would like to refrain from commenting.”
“Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act that threatens the foundation of the international order that the international community has built over a long period of hard work and sacrifice. I think it’s important to continue to respond with firm determination.”
Prime Minister Kishida, who emphasizes the “solidarity of the G7,” will not change his stance.
( SmartFLASH
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