Injured frontline Ukrainian soldiers will be transported an incredible 6,500 miles away to be treated in a Japanese hospital, a new promise from the Asian nation said.
Japan has once again thrown its support behind Ukraine, as its ongoing war with Russia continues.
Tokyo, led by its Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, has been a staunch critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has now been ravaging for 16 months.
According to a statement released by the PM’s Office of Japan on Twitter, Mr Fumio has pledged a new raft of support to the European nation – joining the likes of Britain and other Western countries in throwing its unquestionable backing behind Ukraine.
And one initiative proposed is having frontline Ukrainian soldiers airlifted to a Japanese hospital thousands of miles away to be treated.
Among the proposals, was one which read: “Humanitarian support: accept injured Ukrainian soldiers at the Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital, and implement an emergency aid amounting to $5m and providing additional equipment in response to flood disaster in southern Ukraine.”
Other Japanese support included offering $7billion worth of schemes such as mine clearance, debris and contamination management, 100 Self-Defense Force vehicles, and 30,000 packs of rations.
The hospital is based in Japan’s capital – around 6,500 miles away from the frontline battle raging on the Ukrainian border.
Last month it treated two Ukrainian soldiers, as it prepared to begin welcoming more wounded frontline personnel.
The hospital is run by the Ground, Sea and Air Self-Defence Forces within Japan, and is reported to have 30 medical departments – including general surgery, digestive surgery, and rehabilitation.
The proposal was provisionally discussed during a meeting between Yasukazu Hamada, Minister of Defence of Japan, and Serhii Korsunskyi, Ambassador of Ukraine to Japan.
In May, Mr Fumio made his own admission regarding the Ukraine war, telling Japan how the battle had reached a “critical moment for protecting world peace and the world order”.
On his website, the Prime Minister continued: “Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is absolutely intolerable. Grave violations of international law, including the killing of innocent civilians, have occurred repeatedly. We will continue to impose sanctions and other measures alongside the G7 and other concerned countries to firmly demonstrate we will not tolerate these brutal acts.”
The politician added: “The recent aggression has caused many innocent Ukrainians to be harmed. Many have been forced to flee their home country.
“We actively support the people of Ukraine. Many municipalities, companies, organizations and individuals in Japan have accepted evacuees, made donations and contributed in other ways as part of their efforts to extend support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their cooperation.”
It comes as the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, wrote on Telegram that he expected Japan to up its sanctions against Russia after the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant was struck.
He added: “In response, we have to strengthen sanctions against Russia’s nuclear industry, and we expect Japan will help us in this matter. Especially considering the fact that the country is chairing the G7.”
