The Japanese government is planning to hold talks as early as May in Kiev with an alliance of four former Soviet countries including Ukraine, to discuss support strategies for the embattled country, the Kyodo News cited diplomatic sources as saying Saturday.

The talks will be the first in two years between Japan and the GUAM bloc, comprising Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova.

The meeting is set to give Japan an opportunity to show its support for Ukraine amid concerns over the full implementation of a peace accord with Russia struck in February.