Japanese PM on Bucha: 'I really feel great anger'

STORY: Kushida laid a wreath outside a church before observing a moment of silence and bowing.

"The world was astonished to see innocent civilians in Bucha killed one year ago…I really feel great anger for all the atrocious acts," Kishida said.

Kishida's trip coincides with Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Russia.

In what appeared to be a response to Kishida's trip, Russia's defense ministry said on Tuesday that two of its strategic bomber planes flew over the Sea of Japan for more than seven hours.

Japan is due to host a G7 summit in Kishida's hometown of Hiroshima in May. Tokyo has continually voiced support for Ukraine and joined other G7 countries in extending sanctions against Russia.

His trip was kept secret until the last minute for security reasons. It is rare for a Japanese leader to make an unannounced visit to another country.