Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, on a surprise visit to Kyiv, expressed Japan's determination to support Ukraine as the second anniversary of Moscow's invasion approaches.
Kamikawa, during her first foreign trip in 2024, held a press conference in a Kyiv bomb shelter with her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, as air sirens rang out.
In response to the escalating conflict, Kamikawa strongly condemned Russia's missile and drone attacks, announcing Japan's commitment to allocate $37 million for a drone detection system and supply five generators to help Ukraine endure another winter during the Russian assault.
Her visit included stops in the Kyiv suburbs of Bucha and Irpin, areas heavily affected by the conflict. Kamikawa's previously unannounced visit altered her two-week tour plan, emphasising Japan's solidarity with Ukraine and the determination to uphold the international order based on the rule of law.
Discussions between Kamikawa and Kuleba covered Japan's plans to host a conference in February promoting Ukraine's economic reconstruction in Tokyo. Kuleba expressed gratitude for Japan's comprehensive support and discussed Ukraine's needs for air defence systems, highlighting the destructive impact of Russian missiles and drones on Ukrainian cities.
Japan's foreign ministry emphasised Kamikawa's demonstration of Japan's commitment to upholding the international order, rejecting unilateral changes to the status quo by force. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal hailed the meeting as meaningful, expressing gratitude for Japan's humanitarian and financial assistance. Shmygal noted Japan's decision to allocate $1 billion for humanitarian projects and reconstruction, with a potential increase to $4.5 billion through international institutions. Discussions also touched on Ukraine's peace formula, ongoing reforms, and infrastructure cooperation.
