Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, offered to help Ukraine with additional food and medicines in the face of Russia’s escalating assault against the eastern European country on Tuesday.

During telephone talks, Kishida delivered Japan’s idea, which was in response to a request from the Ukrainian side, to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Also read: US officials return to Ukraine first time since Russian invasion began: Report

“We’ll work together with concerned nations, including our Group of Seven colleagues, and ramp up diplomatic efforts to support Ukraine,” Kishida told reporters following the telephonic meeting.

Kishida and Zelensky spoke over the phone for the fourth time since military tensions between Ukraine and Russia erupted in February. The prior discussions took place on March 4.

During the talk on Tuesday, Kishida underlined Japan’s aid to Ukraine, including fresh yen loans totaling $200 million announced last week, as well as protective masks and drones.

Also read: Lloyd Austin urges Putin to end war, outlines US-Allies plan to help Ukraine

Kishida has often stated that any unilateral use of force to alter the status quo must be condemned. The Ukraine issue has sparked concern about its ramifications beyond Europe and in the Indo-Pacific, where China’s strong advances are fueling regional anxieties.

In a remarkable move for a country known for its tight immigration and refugee policies, Japan has taken in hundreds of refugees fleeing Ukraine, allowing them to stay longer and work in the country.

Kishida stated that the government will assist the evacuated in different parts of their lives, such as getting jobs and going to school, as part of long-term support for them.

Also read: Donetsk, Luhansk under continuous heavy Russian attack: Ukraine officials

Meanwhile, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced Tuesday that Norway will contribute 400 million Norwegian Krone ($44 million) to a British-led plan to purchase weaponry and military equipment for Ukraine.

Støre told the Norwegian parliament that the move allowed Norway to support Ukraine with weapons that the Norwegian military did not have or could not give up.

Also read: Germany gives in to pressure from Western allies, pledges tanks export to Ukraine

Donating arms to a warring group was a “new experience” for Norway, according to the prime minister.

As a result of rising pressure, Germany also agreed on Tuesday to allow tank supply to Ukraine to bolster the country’s fight against Russian aggression.