Ukraine news – live: Russia warns West ‘directly involved’ in war after tank deal

The Kremlin has accused the West of being directly involved in Russia’s war in Ukraine by choosing to arm Kyiv.

Berlin caved to pressure from Nato allies this week as it announced that German-made Leopard 2 tanks could arrive in Ukraine before the end of March, while US president Joe Biden simultaneously pledged to send its Abrams battle tanks.

Moscow’s ambassador to Germany warned the move would take the war to a “new level of confrontation”, as Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said of Western arms supplies: “In Moscow, this is perceived as direct involvement in the conflict and we see that this is growing.”

Mr Peskov also dismissed Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s jibe that Vladimir Putin is a “nobody” living in an “information bubble” who he has no interest in meeting for peace talks.

“I don’t think an answer is necessary,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in response to Mr Zelensky’s comments to Sky News. “He himself has long ceased to be a possible opponent for President Putin. He was preparing for war.”

Key points

• US sends fleet of Abrams tanks and tow vehicles to Kyiv

• Germany confirms it will send tanks to Ukraine

• Russia condemns US tank deliveries as 'blatant provocation’

KEY POST: Moscow accuses West of ‘direct involvement’ over tank provision conflict

Thursday 26 January 2023 12:50 , Eleanor Noyce

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has accused the West of “direct involvement” in the conflict over the provision of tanks to Ukraine.

“European capitals and Washington constantly give statements that sending various types of weapons, including tanks, in no way means their involvement in hostilities,” Mr Peskov told Sky News.

“We strongly disagree with this. In Moscow, this is perceived as direct involvement in the conflict and we see that this is growing.”

‘Russia targets energy plants in Ukraine’

04:30 , Namita Singh

Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal said Russian attacks yesterday targeted energy plants. The attack comes soon after Western allies committed 150 tanks to Kyiv.

“I held an urgent meeting today about the energy situation - about the shortages that are occurring and repair work after the terrorists’ strikes,” said president Volodymyr Zelensky, referring to the power shortage from the attacks. “Repair teams are working in those sites where hits occurred.”

DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy producer, conducted pre-emptive emergency power shutdowns in Kyiv yesterday, the surrounding region and the regions of Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk.

The Kremlin said it saw the promised delivery of Western tanks as evidence of growing “direct involvement” of the United States and Europe in the 11-month-old war, something both deny.

Ukraine has said it needs hundreds to break Russian defensive lines and recapture occupied territory in the south and east. Both Moscow and Kyiv, which have so far relied on Soviet-era T-72 tanks, are expected to mount new ground offensives in springtime.

Japan tightens sanctions on Russia after deadly missile strikes in Ukraine

04:15 , Namita Singh

Japan tightened sanctions against Russia today following its latest wave of missile attacks in Ukraine, adding goods to an export ban list and freezing the assets of Russian officials and entities.

The decision comes after Russia launched missile attacks in Ukraine killing at least 11 people yesterday following a pledge by Germany and the United States to supply tanks that could help Ukraine counter any new Russian offensive.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry

Among the new sanctions, Japan will prohibit shipments of items to 49 organisations in Russia from 3 February that could be used to enhance its military capability.

Those will include products ranging from water cannons, gas exploration equipment and semiconductor equipment to vaccines, X-ray inspection equipment, explosives and robots, the ministry said.

Watch: Train carries dozens of tanks in Kansas day before Biden agrees to send M1 Abrams to Ukraine

04:00 , Emily Atkinson

Russian forces attack more 60 towns as Kyiv secures tanks from Western allies

03:45 , Namita Singh

Russian forces trained tank, mortar and artillery fire on more than 60 towns and villages in an arc of territory extending from Chernihiv and Sumy regions in the north through Kharkiv region in the northeast and in the focal points of Russian attempts to advance in Donetsk region in the east - Bakhmut and Avdiivka.

Ukraine’s military said it shot down 47 of 59 Russian missiles - some fired from Tu-95 strategic bombers in the Russian Arctic. Russia also launched 37 air strikes, 17 of them using Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones. All drones were downed, the military general staff said.

Eleven people were killed and 11 wounded in the drone and missile strikes, which spanned 11 regions and also damaged 35 buildings, a State Emergency Service spokesperson said.

Russia responded with fury to news on Wednesday that Germany and the United States would send dozens of modern tanks to Ukraine. More tanks will come from Canada, Poland, Britain, Finland and Norway while several more allies, including France, Spain and the Netherlands were considering sending tanks too.

‘Not a single room left intact’: Ukraine faces deadly Russian missile onslaught

03:33 , Namita Singh

Russia pounded Ukraine with missiles and drones, killing at least 11 people, according to officials, after Western allies pledged tanks to Kyiv in its fight against Moscow’s invasion.

Air raid alarms sounded across Ukraine yesterday as people headed to work. In the capital Kyiv, crowds took cover for a time in underground metro stations.

“Not a single room is left intact, everything got hit,” said Halyna Panosyan, 67, surveying twisted sheets of corrugated metal, crumpled masonry and a large missile crater outside her ruined house in Hlevakha near Kyiv.

“There was an extremely loud strike that made me jump up. I was in the bedroom ... I was saved by the fact that the bedroom is to the other side of the house.”

Wagner runaway tells of ‘chaotic and dangerous’ on Ukraine frontline

03:00 , Emily Atkinson

A former commander of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group who fled to Norway has spoken about how he witnessed some of his comrades being shot as they were trying to flee from the frontline in Ukraine, his Norwegian lawyer told Reuters.

Andrei Medvedev, who fled from Russia by crossing the Russian-Norwegian border on Jan. 13, has said he fears for his life after witnessing what he said was the killing and mistreatment of Russian prisoners taken to Ukraine to fight for Wagner.

Medvedev is living in a secret location in the Oslo area after he was released from detention on Wednesday following a “disagreement” with the police about measures taken to ensure his safety.

His lawyer Brynjulf Risnes told Reuters that Medvedev had seen some “incredibly horrible” situations while he was fighting with Wagner last autumn.

He had witnessed “the shooting of his comrades while he was watching because they tried to flee,” Risnes said in an interview, citing Medvedev.

The Russian was “slowly coming to terms with what’s happening”, his lawyer said.

“His life has been chaotic and dangerous and very stressful for a very long time,” Risnes said, “particularly, of course, during the autumn when he was in Ukraine with the Wagner group.”

“But of course, his life hasn’t been easy before that either.”

Zelensky’s government crackdown continues

02:00 , Emily Atkinson

Ukrainian government officials who shirk their duties during wartime will be quickly removed, a top aide to president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday amid a crack down on corruption.

More than a dozen officials have been removed this week following a series of scandals and graft allegations. Political analysts said Zelensky needs to show Western partners and war-weary Ukrainians that he is serious about punishing misrule.

“Everyone should understand their level of responsibility to the country and nation during the war. Whoever forgets about it receives a quick reaction,” said Andriy Yermak, head of Zelensky’s office.

“This will happen to everyone who allows themselves to forget (their duties), regardless of names and offices,” Yermak wrote on Twitter.

Any Russian nuclear attacks on Nato land would pose ‘existential risk to Russian motherland'

01:00 , Emily Atkinson

Vladimir Putin has been warned by a former Nato chief an attack on a single member of the nuclear-armed alliance would pose “an existential risk to the Russian motherland”.

Directly addressing the Kremlin leader in a hard-hitting speech at Westminster, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen said the collective defence guarantee, known as Article 5, “goes well beyond normal red lines”.

The Labour peer, who served as Nato secretary general from 1999 to 2004, is the only person ever to have announced the triggering of the clause in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US.

The former defence secretary told parliament “the greatest nuclear threat” faced was a Russian victory in Ukraine, and stressed the urgent need to stop this happened, including providing more military assistance.

Lord Robertson made his stark comments during a debate on the resilience of the UK armed forces against the backdrop of cutbacks and the continuing conflict caused by the invasion of Russian forces.

Referring to the current war in Ukraine, which is approaching its first anniversary, he said: “What is increasingly clear is that Vladimir Putin has declared war on the West.

“What is also clear is we are not responding adequately to that overt challenge to our countries and what we stand for. There is no visible urgency in our national behaviour.”

Slap ‘wretched’ Wagner group with terror ban, UK ministers urged

00:00 , Emily Atkinson

A Russian mercenary group which has “terror, torture, murder, rape and all other forms of brutality at the heart of its activities” should be banned, UK ministers have been told.

The government has faced fresh demands from the former chief of the defence staff and independent crossbencher Lord Stirrup to proscribe the “wretched” Wagner Group, which would make it a criminal offence to belong to, support or assist the organisation.

The calls came as the Treasury found itself at the centre of controversy over reports it helped the organisation’s boss Yevgeny Prigozhin circumvent UK sanctions to take a British journalist to court.

Canada to send Ukraine four battle tanks

Thursday 26 January 2023 23:00 , Emily Atkinson

Canada has announced that it will send four Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine, after Germany said it would allow its allies to re-export the German-built tanks.

“This donation, combined with the contributions of allies and partners, will significantly help the armed forces of Ukraine” in the their defense against the Russian invasion, defence minister Anita Anand told reporters.

US expands travel blacklist for Russian military figures

Thursday 26 January 2023 22:00 , Emily Atkinson

The US State Department has placed 531 members of the Russian military on a travel blacklist for actions that threaten or violate the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine.

“This action supports our goal to degrade Moscow’s capacity to wage war against Ukraine, to promote accountability for those responsible for Russia’s war of aggression and associated abuses, and to place further pressure on Russia’s defence sector,” US secretary of state Antony Blinken said.

It came as Joe Biden’s administration also expanded sanctions against Russia’s Wagner Group (see post below).

US expands sanctions against Wagner Group

Thursday 26 January 2023 21:16 , Andy Gregory

The United States has increased its sanctions against Russia’s mercenary Wagner Group and dozens of its affiliates, some in Africa and the Middle East.

The sanctions also hit the president of Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern, the original manufacturer of the AK-47 assault rifle, and a company known as Spacety China, which has supplied Wagner Group affiliates with satellite imagery of Ukraine that supports Wagner’s military operations there.

“Today’s expanded sanctions on Wagner, as well as new sanctions on their associates and other companies enabling the Russian military complex, will further impede Putin’s ability to arm and equip his war machine,” said US Treasury secretary Janet Yellen.

News site Meduza added to Russian list of ‘undesirable organisations'

Thursday 26 January 2023 20:44 , Andy Gregory

Meduza, one of Russia’s most widely-read independent news sites, has been branded an “undesirable organisation” by Moscow – effectively outlawing it from operating in Russia.

Russia’s general prosecutor said the Latvia-based news outlet “poses a threat to the foundations of the constitutional system and the security of the Russian Federation”, as the site joined more than 50 other organisations on the “undesirable” list.

The news site said it would continue to work, despite the designation, publishing an article which said: “Undesirable organisations are banned from operating on Russian territory under threat of felony prosecution.

“Anyone who ‘participates or cooperates’ with such groups can face felony prosecution – an especially serious limitation for journalists who must speak to sources to report the news.”

Shortly after invading Ukraine, Russia’s parliament passed legislation outlining jail terms of up to five years for “discrediting” the armed forces and up to 15 years for spreading “deliberately false information” about them.

Upon passing the laws last March, Russian authorities moved swiftly to block access to dozens of websites, including Meduza’s, spurring dozens of Russian and international news outlets to leave the country.

Another independent news site, Mediazona, said on Thursday its publisher Pyotr Verzilov had been accused of spreading “fakes” about the army, motivated by political hatred.

Ukrainian officials will be swiftly fired for shirking duties, Zelensky aide warns

Thursday 26 January 2023 20:13 , Andy Gregory

Ukrainian officials who shirk their duties during wartime will be quickly removed, an aide to Volodymyr Zelensky has said, after a week in which more than a dozen people have been removed from their post, including a deputy defence minister and presidential aide.

“Everyone should understand their level of responsibility to the country and nation during the war. Whoever forgets about it receives a quick reaction,” said Andriy Yermak, the head of Mr Zelensky’s office.

“This will happen to everyone who allows themselves to forget [their duties], regardless of names and offices,” Yermak wrote on Twitter.

France and Italy close to finalising deal on supply of advanced air defence systems

Thursday 26 January 2023 19:42 , Andy Gregory

France and Italy are close to finalising the technical details to supply an SAMP/T air defence system to Ukraine, two diplomatic sources have told Reuters.

Kyiv specifically requested the system – the only one in Europe capable of intercepting ballistic missiles – in November, and both nations’ defence ministers are set to meet in Italy on Friday.

“We are finalising it with the Italians. It’s not very far off,” said a French diplomatic source.

“A political decision was made. It’s now just finalising the technical details because it’s a complicated system,” said a second diplomat, adding that the expectation was that France’s Emmanuel Macron and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni would make the decision official.

The system, known as Mamba, is capable of intercepting 10 targets at once.

Watch: Train carries dozens of tanks in Kansas day before Biden agrees to send M1 Abrams to Ukraine

Thursday 26 January 2023 19:01 , Andy Gregory

Ukraine security official arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia

Thursday 26 January 2023 18:03 , Andy Gregory

A lieutenant colonel in Ukraine’s security service, the SBU, has been arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia, Kyiv has said.

The official allegedy sent data to his Russian handlers revealing the location of military checkpoints and other “secret information”, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) said.

A search found mobile phones, Russian SIM cards, cash and other evidence proving “longstanding ties” to Russian state and law enforcement structures, the bureau said.

“Today the service works as a single team and is doing the maximum for Ukraine’s victory,” said SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk. “And the self-cleansing of our ranks from traitors is an important part of this process.”

Volodymyr Zelensky fired the previous SBU director, a childhood friend of his, last July, citing collaboration with Russia by officials in the powerful agency.

Famous Russian comic referred to prosecutors over song satirising Ukraine war

Thursday 26 January 2023 17:31 , Andy Gregory

A famous Russian comic has been referred to prosecutors over a new song satirising Moscow’s war in Ukraine – by a patriotic organisation which believes it discredits the army, which now a criminal offence.

The song, by Semyon Slepakov, is called “Lullaby” and likens Russia, with dark irony, to a mother who glorifies the idea of dying on the battlefields of Ukraine and believes it is her sons’ duty to lay down their lives for her own greatness.

Slepakov has more than 1.4 million followers on YouTube, where a video of him singing his song with a guitar has been viewed over 700,000 times since it was released on Tuesday and tens of thousands of times on other platforms.

Putin’s Ukraine invasion has pushed Sweden and Finland to join Nato – but Turkey is blocking it

Thursday 26 January 2023 17:02 , Andy Gregory

Our international correspondent Borzou Daragahi reports:

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has has created a moment of existential crisis for Europe, with Finland and Sweden seeking the security of Nato membership. However Turkey’s opposition to that expansion – as its leader faces a tight spring presidential election – threatens that plan.

Turkey’s long-troubled relationship with Sweden has taken on a whole new dimension since the burning of a copy of the Quran by a far-right politician at a protest outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm at the weekend, and demonstrators last week also hung an effigy of president Recep Tayyip Erdogan from a lamppost in the Swedish capital.

“At this point I fail to see how the situation could get even worse,” says Paul Levin, an international affairs expert focused on Turkey and Europe at Stockholm University.

“It’s a volatile mix of a Turkish president facing an election and needing a fight, and Swedish groups on the far right and left who may use free speech to provoke Erdogan in order to sabotage the Nato process.”

You can read the full report here:

Why Turkey is blocking Sweden and Finland attempts to join Nato

Who benefits the most from Boris Johnson’s support of Ukraine?

Thursday 26 January 2023 16:30 , Eleanor Noyce

Having the former prime minister in full flight on the other side makes life that bit more difficult for those of us trying to argue against escalation, writes Mary Dejevsky:

Who benefits the most from Boris Johnson’s support of Ukraine? | Mary Dejevsky

Biden-Harris administration welcomes Ukraine Steering Committee, discussing economic support and recovery

Thursday 26 January 2023 16:10 , Eleanor Noyce

Today, Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics Mike Pyle co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Ukraine Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform’s Steering Committee.

Representatives from G7 countries, the Government of Ukraine, and the international financial institutions discussed how to better coordinate economic support for Ukraine’s immediate financing needs and future economic recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The steering committee delivered on G7 Leaders’ December 2022 commitment, further exemplifying the Biden-Harris Administration’s support for Ukraine.

The committee committed to working closely with Ukrainian authorities on economic needs, furthering Ukraine’s reform ambitions and delivering economic assistance to stabilise Ukraine’s economy and facilitate recovery.

Mr Pyle welcomed opening remarks from Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, working with his co-chairs, Finance Minister of Ukraine, Sergii Marchenko, and the European Commission Director General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Gert Jan Koopman, and in close consultation with Japan in its G7 Presidency role.

Russia ‘used hypersonic missiles’ in today’s attacks, Ukraine confirms

Thursday 26 January 2023 15:50 , Eleanor Noyce

The commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Valery Zaluzhnyi, has confirmed that Russia “used hypersonic missiles” in today’s attacks.

Mr Zaluzhnyi confirmed that Russian forces used “Kinzhal” hypersonic missiles to strike targets across the country.

47 winged missiles were destroyed by the Ukrainian military, of which 20 were in Kyiv.

Three of out of four X-59 controlled air missiles “failed to achieve their goals”, Mr Zaluzhnyi added.

“The goal of the Russians remains unchanged - psychological pressure on Ukrainians and destruction of critical infrastructure.

“But we can not be broken!”

Moscow describes German provision of tanks to Ukraine as ‘extremely dangerous decision’

Thursday 26 January 2023 15:20 , Eleanor Noyce

Moscow’s ambassador to Germany has described the plan to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine as an “extremely dangerous decision.”

Sergei Nechaev said that this would take the war to a “new level of confrontation.”

“Germany and its closest allies are not interested in a diplomatic solution, being determined to permanently escalate and pump the Kyiv regime with more lethal weapons”, Mr Nechaev furthered.

UK to begin training Ukrainian soldiers on tanks next week

Thursday 26 January 2023 15:00 , Eleanor Noyce

The UK will begin training Ukrainian soldiers next week on how to use and fix the contingent of tanks being sent to the war-torn country.

Defence minister Alex Chalk told the Commons: “On the issue of training, I am pleased to say that is expected to start next week on Monday.”

On when Challenger 2 tanks would arrive in Ukraine, he added: “The intention is that it will be at the end of March, and between now and then a really significant programme of training, not just for the tank crews who are to operate this vehicle, but also for those who will be charged with maintaining it.”

Mr Chalk earlier told MPs: “Equipping Ukraine to push Russia out of its territory is as important as equipping them to defend what they already have. Together we will continue supporting Ukraine to move from resisting Russian forces to expelling them from Ukrainian soil.”

The minister also welcomed announcements by the German and US governments that they would send tanks to Ukraine, adding: “Our united resolve can and will prove decisive. In 2023 we are more determined than ever. We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes.”

Russia’s latest attacks killed 11 people and wounded 11 more, Ukraine officials say

Thursday 26 January 2023 14:38 , Eleanor Noyce

Emergency officials in Ukraine say Russia’s latest drone and missile attacks killed 11 people and wounded 11 more.

Russia launched a rush-hour barrage of missiles across Ukraine – killing one person in Kyiv – the day after President Volodymyr Zelensky secured Western pledges of dozens of tanks to help in the country’s war effort.

Air raid sirens wailed nationwide, while booms were heard by The Independent around Kyiv, where the head of the city administration said that 15 cruise missiles were shot down.

Air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said as many as six Tu-95 warplanes had taken off from the Arctic region of Murmansk in northern Russia and launched long-range missiles. He said there was a volley of more than 30 missiles.

Restocking of UK military supplies a “sensitive” topic, says UK defence minister

Thursday 26 January 2023 14:20 , Eleanor Noyce

Addressing the issue of restocking the UK’s military supplies, defence minister Alex Chalk suggested these discussions were too sensitive to be had on the floor of the Commons.

Mr Chalk was responding to shadow defence minister Rachel Hopkins’ question about how many contracts have been signed to replenish UK stockpiles of weapons sent to Ukraine.

“What steps is the minister taking to ramp up production of ammunition and equipment to restock our own armed forces and to support Ukraine? It took 287 days in to the start of the invasion for the defence secretary to get his act together and sign a new contract to replenish N-Laws (anti-tank weapons) for our armed forces and for Ukraine”, she remarked.

Mr Chalk replied: “On the issue of restocking, she is right. She will understand that there are operational sensitivities which mean that I can’t go into the detail of exactly what is going to be restocked and when.

“But she will know, and the privy councillors including from the Opposition have been given a briefing on that, that is exactly what we should be doing to ensure that those who need to know these sensitive details are told what they properly can be.”

Labour welcomes UK & Nato ally move to send tanks to Ukraine

Thursday 26 January 2023 13:57 , Eleanor Noyce

Labour has welcomed moves by the UK and Nato allies to send tanks to Ukraine.

Shadow defence minister Rachel Hopkins told the Commons: “The UK remains united in its support of Ukraine. The first package of UK military assistance for 2023 with tanks, artillery, infantry vehicles, ammunition and missiles has Labour’s fullest support.

“We warmly welcome announcements from Germany, the US, France and Poland that they will be sending tanks and that Germany will grant export licences to allow others to follow suit. This will provide more of the equipment Ukraine needs to win at a pivotal moment.

“This is an historic move from Germany in particular and Nato allies continue to move in lockstep to provide vital support.”

She also urged ministers to replenish the UK’s supply of arms after its donations to Ukraine, telling them: “What steps is the minister taking to ramp up production of ammunition and equipment to restock our own armed forces and to support Ukraine?

“It took 287 days in to the start of the invasion for the Defence Secretary to get his act together and sign a new contract to replenish N-Laws (anti-tank weapons) for our armed forces and for Ukraine.

“So how many more contracts have been signed to replenish UK stockpiles of other weapons sent to Ukraine?”

Zelensky reveals whether he would back Boris Johnson to return as PM

Thursday 26 January 2023 13:30 , Eleanor Noyce

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has praised his “special bond” with Boris Johnson - but said it is “not correct” for him to support any comeback bid by the former prime minister.

Mr Zelensky was quizzed in an interview with Sky News on his relationship with the former British PM, who he previously called a “true friend” during Mr Johnson’s final days in office.

Mr Johnson was one of the most vocal backers of Ukraine on the world stage after the Russian invasion began last year, and since leaving No 10 he has continued to offer support to Mr Zelensky.

But Mr Zelensky insisted it is “not correct” for him to support any comeback bid, saying he has “good relations” with Rishi Sunak.

Katy Clifton reports:

Zelensky reveals whether he would back Boris Johnson to return as PM

Thursday 26 January 2023 13:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked allies following the provision of German tanks.

“Today is a day of extremely good news for Ukraine. There is a tank coalition”, Mr Zelensky stated in his nightly address.

“There is a decision to launch the supply of tanks for our defence. Modern tanks.

“I started this day with a conversation with Chancellor Scholz, primarily about Leopards for Ukraine. And this is exactly the kind of conversation we expected.

“I thank Mr. Chancellor, all German politicians and public figures for their willingness to strengthen the defense of Europe.

“There is a very powerful step by the United States…Ukraine will receive Abrams. Thank you for this decision.”

Japanese prime minister considering a visit to Ukraine depending on "various circumstances”

Thursday 26 January 2023 12:30 , Eleanor Noyce

Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida said during a parliamentary session that he would consider visiting the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv depending on “various circumstances.”

“Nothing has been decided at this point, but we will consider,” Mr Kishida said, as reported by Kyodo News.

A ruling party lawmaker had previously urged Mr Kishida to follow the leaders of allied countries in the Group of Seven. Japan is preparing to host an upcoming G7 summit in Hiroshima in May.