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Ukraine wants to end the Russia-Ukraine war this year, but Russian leader Vladimir Putin aims to prolong the conflict.
This was stated by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in an exclusive interview with the Japanese broadcaster NHK, Ukrinform reports.
Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine is determined to end the war this year and will not stand in the way of this process. However, he noted that Putin wants war and that the world is awaiting Moscow’s response to the U.S. proposal for an immediate 30-day temporary ceasefire.
The minister also revealed that a Ukrainian national team will begin preparing a roadmap for monitoring the long front line, which spans over 1,300 kilometers.
Additionally, Sybiha stated that Ukraine would hold consultations with the U.S. and other countries, partly because international personnel may be needed to oversee the ceasefire.
Among other points, the official described Japan as Ukraine’s “closest partner in Asia.”
He expressed gratitude to Japan for providing Ukraine with “constant, unwavering support from the very first moments of Russia’s brutal aggression.”
Read also: Russians trying to dislodge Ukrainian forces from Vovchansk – Kharkiv Group of Forces
When asked what kind of support Ukraine expects from Japan the most, Sybiha responded that Ukraine needs assistance in reconstruction.
He called Japan a “true leader” and added that rebuilding Ukraine would also create opportunities for Japanese companies.
As previously reported, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that immediately after the meeting in Saudi Arabia, the Ukrainian side began working on action plans to properly oversee compliance with a possible ceasefire and the modalities of future peace agreements.
