PM Kishida Condemns Russia for Violating Airspace, Vows to Defend Japan’s Territory

By Ayaka Kudo / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

12:56 JST, September 24, 2024

NEW YORK — Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday strongly condemned the violation of Japanese airspace by a Russian military patrol aircraft.

The Russian aircraft violated Japan’s airspace three times to the north Rebun Island, Hokkaido, on Monday afternoon. At a press conference in New York, Kishida called the act “extremely regrettable.”

He added that he had lodged a strong protest with Russia through diplomatic channels and demanded that Moscow prevent any further violations.

“Japan will resolutely protect its territory, territorial waters and airspace,” he stressed.

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