Japan, New Zealand, Australia concerned over Russian intervention in Ukraine

By Islamuddin Sajid

ANKARA (AA) – Japan, New Zealand and Australia on Thursday condemned the Russian military intervention in Ukraine and urged Moscow to cease military operations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation early Thursday in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region.

In a statement on Thursday morning, the Russian Defense Ministry announced it is using “high-precision weapons” to disable air defense systems, military airports, and air forces in Ukraine.

- Japan

In a statement, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said his country will work with the international community, including with G-7 countries, in the current situation.

"We will do our best to collect information and understand the situation. In any case, the situation is tense, so I would like to work in collaboration with the international community, including the G7," Kishida told reporters in his short statement.

- New Zealand

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta condemned the Russian military advancement and said it's an act of clear violation.

“New Zealand condemns the advance of military personnel and equipment into Ukraine, which represents a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We stand with the people of Ukraine impacted by this conflict. Our thoughts are with them,” Nanaia Mahuta said in a statement, issued from the Foreign Ministry.

She called Moscow’s latest actions against the international laws which prevent countries to use force and change their borders.

“We join the international community in calling on Russia to cease military operations in Ukraine, and immediately and permanently withdraw, to ensure all possible steps are taken to protect civilians in line with international humanitarian law and return to diplomatic negotiations to de-escalate this conflict," she added.

- Australia

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also condemned the Russian intervention in Ukraine and said there is no justification for aggression as the innocent Ukrainian people will bear the cost.

“Vladimir Putin has fabricated a feeble pretext on which to invade. Russia’s disinformation and propaganda has convinced no one,” he said in a statement.

Morrison called on Moscow to cease its action as it is a breach of international law and of the UN Charter, and withdraw its military from Ukraine.

He also announced to impose financial sanctions on additional 25 persons and four entities of Russia who, according to him, were responsible for the “unprovoked and unacceptable aggression.”

Russia is targeting key areas in cities with weapons and missiles, according to reports.

On early Thursday, explosions were reported in several Ukrainian provinces, including the capital Kyiv, and several tanks reportedly crossed the border with Belarus into Ukraine.