dpa
Kiev
Ukraine’s allies on Saturday rallied around the war-torn country, pledging further support as it approaches its 1,000th day of war against Russia.
The Group of Seven (G7) leading Western industrialized nations assured Ukraine of its “unwavering support” in a statement published by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is chairing the G7 this year. Russia is “the sole obstacle to just and lasting peace,” the leaders said, stressing that their countries would stand by Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” Alongside Italy, the G7 includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Japan and Germany.
Monday, November 18 marks 1,000 days since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Estonia and Japan used the grim milestone to offer more help. The Estonian Defence Ministry said it plans to provide Ukraine with various types of ammunition, uniforms, surveillance devices and protective equipment, though details on the scope or value of the aid package were not disclosed.
The package has been put together from reserve stocks, taking into account the needs of Ukraine, without compromising Estonia’s defence capabilities, the ministry said.
“Soon 1,000 days will have passed in which Ukraine has managed to defend its freedom against an overpowering aggressor,” said Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur. “Ukraine still needs help from Estonia and the free world to protect itself.” Estonia, which borders Russia and is a member of NATO and the European Union, is one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters.
Japan also promised further aid to Kiev on Saturday following a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Kiev. The precise content and value of the package remained unclear, but Zelensky praised Japan’s support, saying in a video message: “Japan is a true leader in Asia in defending the rules-based international order and, simply, human life.” He added that Japan has already given Ukraine $12 billion worth of assistance.
The Ukrainian president said he spoke with Iwaya about the help Moscow is receiving from North Korea.
