Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday night and explained his concerns.

Kishida said, "I told President Putin we are closely watching the Ukraine situation with grave concern. I urged him to pursue a solution that is acceptable to concerned nations through diplomatic negotiations, not a change to the status quo brought about by force."

Kishida said he and Putin agreed to continue dialogue on Japan-Russia relations and on international issues including Ukraine.

He said Japan will keep up its diplomatic efforts to ease the tensions and work with other G7 countries and the wider international community.