Japan to Provide 15.8 Billion Yen in Grants to Support Ukraine Reconstruction

The Japanese government pledged support for Ukraine's reconstruction on the 19th, ahead of the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to local media including Kyodo News on the 19th, at the 'Japan-Ukraine Economic Revival Promotion Meeting' held in Tokyo that day, the two countries agreed on 56 cooperation documents and issued a joint statement.

First, the Japanese government decided to assist Ukraine in seven areas: 'mine countermeasures and building debris disposal,' 'livelihood reconstruction,' 'agricultural development,' 'innovative manufacturing such as bio,' 'digital and information communication technology (IT),' 'energy and transportation infrastructure,' and 'anti-corruption measures and governance enhancement.' In addition, Japan agreed to provide 15.8 billion yen (approximately 140 billion KRW) in grants to support Ukraine's recovery.

Also, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced special measures regarding entry restrictions for Japanese businesspeople conducting local operations. While maintaining evacuation advisories for the entire territory of Ukraine, the Japanese government decided to allow entry into the capital Kyiv if safety measures are secured.

Furthermore, Japan announced it will establish a Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) office in Kyiv to expand investment and trade between the two countries.

Prime Minister Kishida stated in a speech that day, "Although the situation remains far from easy due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, promoting (Ukraine's) reconstruction is an investment in the future."

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said, "Japan is the fourth highest financial supporter, having provided over 10 billion dollars since Russia's invasion," and added, "today marks a new beginning in cooperation between the two countries."

It is reported that Japan has so far supported Ukraine with more than 1.8 trillion yen (approximately 16 trillion KRW). The Mainichi Shimbun reported that some criticism has arisen due to increasing costs. A ruling Liberal Democratic Party group pointed out, "What benefits does Japan gain? Is the domestic response becoming overwhelmed?"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.