Kuril Islands: MFA issues statement on Ukraine's position

A Ukrainian presidential decree reaffirming respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Japan, including its Northern Territories, and the adoption of a respective address by the Verkhovna Rada confirm Ukraine's commitment to the principles and norms of international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said this in a statement regarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Japan, Ukrinform reports.

"On October 7, 2022, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the Decree No. 692/2022 reaffirming respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Japan, including its Northern Territories, which remain under the occupation of the Russian Federation," the statement said.

It added that the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the "Address of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to the International Community Regarding the Northern Territories of Japan" and the signing of the aforementioned presidential decree are important steps that restore historical justice and reaffirm Ukraine's commitment to the universally recognized principles and norms of the international law.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine consistently emphasizes that "in the modern world there is no place for the use of force to infringe the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any country, in violation of the international law."

"Russia, as an aggressor country, must bear full responsibility for its actions in violation of the sovereign borders of Ukraine and other countries of the world," the ministry said.

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