Japan’s Prime Minister Urges G7 Leaders to Avoid Showing Wrong Precedent over Russian Aggression against Ukraine; Ishiba Calls for Dialogue to Not Favor Russia

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:10 JST, February 25, 2025

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called for Group of Seven nation leaders to avoid showing the wrong precedent during talks to end Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

The leaders held a video conference on Monday, marking three years since the start of the aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also joined the call.

During the conference, Ishiba urged caution to ensure the situation does not lead to the wrong lesson that the status quo can be changed by force. He called for dialogue to proceed in a way that does not unilaterally favor Russia.

Ishiba revealed his remarks to reporters at his official residence after the video conference.

Regarding the joint statement summarizing the outcome of the conference, Ishiba said “I don’t think there was any major disagreement in statements made by the leaders, but they are still being finalized by the secretariat.”