In the words of one Twitter user, “WTF IS GOING ON”?
As tensions heighten between Ukraine and Russia, people are looking to diplomatic representatives from these countries to get some firsthand views on what’s happening in the region.
Ukraine’s highest representative in Japan, Ambassador Sergiy Korsunsky, recently made his views clear with a photo on his Twitter account…that showed him dressed in the armour of a samurai warrior.
▼ The photo came with the message: “We know what we are fighting for. How about Russia?”
We know what we are fighting for. How about Russia?
— セルギー・コルスンスキー駐日ウクライナ特命全権大使 (@KorsunskySergiy) February 15, 2022
私たちは何のために戦っているのかを知っています。ロシアはどうですか? pic.twitter.com/8FEInU3bWn
The message is particularly poignant as the ambassador’s daughter and granddaughter are pictured in a photo behind him, suggesting that family and future generations are a big part of what he and his country are fighting for.
The photo got an immediate reaction online, with the ambassador’s tweet earning over 10,000 likes and 2,600 retweets. It also elicited a range of reactions from people in Japan and overseas, with commenters from Japan saying:
“Your Excellency, you look so cool!”
“Tough!”
“I support Ukraine!”
“That look suits you so much!”
“Please proceed peacefully.”
“That armour is really gallant.”
“WTF IS GOING ON.”
People overseas left comments like:
“A real warrior, awesome.”
“Samurai Forever.”
“This man’s got the power of god and anime on his side.”
“Japan always wins with style! Peace for Ukraine.”
“Samurai Cossacks. An entire new fantasy setting is born.”
“Fighting Russia with honour, cooperation and memes. They don’t stand a chance.”
“If Putin backs off it will be because of this and for no other reason.”
The comment that received the most attention, however, was this one, which suggested a special helmet design for the ambassador, complete with Ukrainian details and flourishes.
Dear His Excellency the Ambassador Korsunsky
— 一条 高雪 (@a_tsuwabuki) February 15, 2022
I designed helmet for your armor.
In Japan, we, "Bushi" dedicate arms to a shrine for praying peace.
We pray for safety of you and all Ukrainian. pic.twitter.com/ysm8MpP0XJ
59-year-old Korsunsky has been working for the Ukrainian government for several decades, with postings in Israel, the U.S. and Turkey before landing the role as Ambassador to Japan in 2020.
His samurai armour tweet has given people in Japan, and around the world, an insight into the emotions that are running high amongst Ukrainians at the moment. And on a lighter note, he may have just toppled the Georgian Ambassador from his spot as the country’s most viral Twitter diplomat.
Whether he has the power to budge Vladimir Putin from his famous position in Japan, though, well — only time will tell.
Source: Twitter/@KorsunskySergiy
Top image: Twitter/@KorsunskySergiy
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Japanese ambassador stayed in Ukraine to fight in his grandfather’s samurai armour? No, not true
Ukraine’s ambassador to Japan criticises Uniqlo for continuing to trade in Russia
Uniqlo reverses position, will close all stores in Russia
U.S. Ambassador wins fans in Japan with his love of local trains…and puns
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
7-Eleven Japan releases new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing range for autumn, with a must-try daifuku and teriyaki burger
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Kobe middle schools begin abolishing extracurricular activities, shift to community programs
Starbucks Japan releases new coffee table book featuring 18 of the most unique stores around the country
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
Japan’s Tsukimi One-hand Bento’s name is all wrong, but it still looks entirely delicious
Join Naked in the Niwa garden: Kyoto Station’s newest spot to craft traditional art
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】