Japan's defense minister says Russia must be held responsible over the killing of a large number of civilians near the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.

Kishi Nobuo spoke with Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov via a video link on Wednesday.

Reznikov expressed gratitude to Japan for providing its Self-Defense Forces' equipment, such as bulletproof vests, and other assistance.

Kishi said a brutal act in which a large number of innocent civilians were killed has come to light in areas near Kyiv that had been occupied by the Russian military.

He said it is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and cannot be tolerated. He also said he strongly condemns the act, and Russia needs to be held accountable.

After the talks, Kishi told reporters that the unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force shake the foundation of the international order. He said Japan will continue to closely communicate with Ukraine and provide maximum support in cooperation with the international community.