Feb 3, 2025, we held an IER Special Seminar.
＜H.E. Dr. Sergiy KORSUNSKY Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Japan＞

On Feb 3, an IER special seminar by H.E. Dr. Sergiy KORSUNSKY Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Japan was held.

During the seminar, it was introduced by Dr. KORSUNSKY that the war began with the invasion by Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Despite being overwhelmingly outmatched in terms of military power, Ukraine, a nation that cherishes freedom, continues to its difficult struggle against Russia to defend its territory. This was presented alongside photographs showing the devastating consequences of the war.

Although Ukraine and Japan are 8,000 km apart, the ambassador emphasized their proximity in terms of both being neighboring countries to Russia. He also shared the sentiment behind the “victory rice paddle” gifted by former Prime Minister Kishida, which symbolizes the belief that Ukraine’s victory is a prerequisite for peace in East Asia.

The ambassador introduced Ukrainian sumo wrestlers Shishi and Aonishiki, showing photographs he personally took of the two wrestlers under the sumo ring. Following the lecture, participants asked questions regarding the conditions for a just peace sought by Ukrainians, the perspectives of Russia’s elite intellectuals, what ordinary Japanese citizens can do to support Ukraine, and the role of the International Criminal Court. The ambassador provided thoughtful and detailed responses to each of these questions.