Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has weighed in on the recent tense exchange between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, urging diplomatic patience and unity among allies.

Speaking in Tokyo at the weekend, Mr. Ishiba acknowledged that the White House meeting had taken an "unexpected turn," NHK reports, with both leaders engaging in what appeared to be an emotionally charged discussion. While Ishiba refrained from speculating on the specifics of their exchange, he further suggested that such moments of high tension underline the challenges of diplomacy in times of conflict.

Hours earlier, US President Donald Trump and Vice President Vance all but ambushed the visiting Ukrainian leader, ultimately expelling him from the White House before taking to social media to attack Zelinskiy’s apparent lack of formal dress sense when in the Oval Office and gratitude for US efforts to help bring the conflict to a halt.

"The most important thing is patience and compassion," Mr. Ishiba told reporters in the Japanese capital the following day.

By "merely venting emotions at one another” it “will not lead to solutions” he said, adding that “diplomacy should be conducted with a steady, constructive approach to achieve lasting peace."

Mr. Ishiba’s remarks come amid growing concerns over divisions among Western allies on just how to support Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russia. Following the White House spat, Canada, and a number of European allies of Ukraine met in London to discuss steps to create what British Prime Minister Starmer called a 'coalition of the willing' intent on presenting a peace plan to Washington.

The Japanese PM meanwhile noted that, despite their differences, both Trump and Zelenskyy ultimately share the same goal—bringing peace to Ukraine as swiftly as possible.

Japan, he added, is committed to preventing rifts between the United States and Ukraine or within the wider G7 alliance – a role Tokyo seems to have taken on itself in the wake of a turbulent first month in the White House for Trump.

"It is essential that the unity of democratic nations remains intact," he said, hinting at Tokyo’s desire to play a stabilising role in international diplomacy.

Mr. Ishiba’s comments reflect Japan’s traditionally cautious approach to global conflicts, as Tokyo works to balance its close security ties with Washington while maintaining an independent diplomatic stance.