During address at the VI Ukraine–Japan Forum, Igor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the President’s Office, Diplomatic Adviser to the President of Ukraine, spoke about cooperation with Japan within the framework of Ukraine support programmes:

I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to Japan for its comprehensive and multidimensional support for Ukraine.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale war, Japan has provided Ukraine with more than USD 15 billion in assistance—financial, humanitarian, and non-lethal. Japan is one of the leaders in supporting Ukraine.

We fully understand that there are certain restrictions regarding the provision of military assistance, and we respect these limitations. At the same time, it is critically important for us that financial, humanitarian, and non-lethal assistance to Ukraine is delivered systematically and in a timely manner.

Agreements reached between the leaders of Ukraine and Japan are always implemented in practice. There has not been a single case in which commitments agreed between the President of Ukraine and the leadership of Japan were not fulfilled.

In this context, I would like to highlight instruments through which we could open new horizons. In particular, I would like to mention the PURL programme, which provides not only military assistance but also has the capacity to deliver non-military, non-lethal support to Ukraine. We call on Japan—as our partner and as a NATO partner in the Asia-Pacific region—to also join this programme.

I would like to express special appreciation for approximately USD 6 billion in financial assistance announced by the Japanese side, which will be provided during the first half of this year through international financial mechanisms supporting Ukraine’s state budget. This is not merely about macro-financial stability—it is the foundation of the resilience of a country at war.

Today we are meeting just one day after another massive attack by the aggressor on many Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv. Mr Ambassador is here in the capital with us and is personally experiencing the consequences of this aggression. It is very important that Japan is aware of this and provides appropriate support.

Yesterday, on 3 February, we witnessed a record number of ballistic missiles used in combination with other types of missiles and attack drones—71 missiles and around 450 unmanned aerial vehicles. Unfortunately, this is becoming a reality. We see the damage inflicted on critical infrastructure in many Ukrainian cities. This is why it is essential to speak about increasing the supply of air defence systems and interceptors for them. This is assistance that can be depleted, as we use missiles almost daily, and ballistic missiles can only be intercepted by specific types of missiles and systems.

We know that Japan possesses relevant systems and equipment. Given the specific context of your country, we understand your position. Nevertheless, Japan can support Ukraine through various channels and mechanisms.

Japan is assisting us in the energy sector. Even before the most recent attack, it responded swiftly to requests from our Ministry of Energy by providing various types of equipment. At the latest Ramstein meeting alone, Japan announced the delivery of 140 generators, 60 transformers, and two cogeneration units. We are sincerely grateful for this timely assistance.

Special thanks are also due for the rehabilitation of Ukrainian servicemen in Japanese medical facilities.

We closely monitor signals from the Government of Japan regarding the development of defence capabilities and the updating of security approaches. We welcome these steps. For Ukraine, it is important to see Japan as a strong and forward-looking security partner. For its part, Ukraine will also be a strong partner for Japan on the European continent, providing experience, support, and technologies.

We are aware of Japan’s interest in maritime drones. Ukraine is ready for cooperation, for substantive dialogue, and for expanding relevant contacts—both at the intergovernmental level and directly between manufacturers in Ukraine. Japanese companies will always be welcome in Ukraine—with projects, partnerships, and visits.

There are already examples of joint weapons production partnerships between Ukrainian and European companies. We can envisage arrangements under which defensive weapons needed by Japan could be jointly produced in Ukraine or by our companies together in other parts of the world.

To ensure that all of this is implemented in practice, the signing of a relevant intergovernmental agreement on the transfer of defence equipment and technologies would be of great importance. We hope that the teams will soon complete work on its text.

The second important dimension is the global security context.

Today, the Indo-Pacific region is no longer the safe region it once was. We see how certain countries in the region directly or indirectly support the aggressor—creating conditions for increased revenues from arms trade or supplying components for the production of drones and missiles used to kill Ukrainians. In this context, Japan’s role in the region is extremely important.

It is no longer possible to speak of Europe and Asia as being far apart—if not geographically, then mentally we are very close. Ukraine understands the processes in your region well, just as you understand developments in Europe. Today, the security of Europe and Asia is indivisible, and we are globally interconnected. It is a great pleasure to have a partner such as Japan in this region, and we are ready to provide appropriate support.

We are sincerely grateful to Japan for its participation in the peace process regarding Ukraine and for its role in the Coalition of the Willing.

In conclusion, I would like to say that I am genuinely pleased with the dynamics of Ukraine–Japan relations. We are very glad to have such a professional and effective Ambassador of Japan in Kyiv as Mr Masashi Nakagome.

Thank you for your attention. I am confident that the Ukraine–Japan partnership will continue to strengthen the rules-based international order and global security.

Video recordings of the forum are available in Ukrainian and English.

Photo report is here.

Mediapartner: Ukrinform.

Photo credit by Illia Nosyk