Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayano Kunimitsu.
The parties discussed the security situation, recent developments on the battlefield, international efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace, as well as prospects for the further development of the Ukrainian-Japanese partnership.
Andrii Sybiha expressed his gratitude to Japan for its unwavering support of Ukraine from the very first days of the full-scale Russian invasion.
“From the very first days of the full-scale war, Japan has consistently supported Ukraine. This support is an important signal that we are not alone in defending freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles of international law,” the minister emphasized.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister briefed his Japanese counterpart on the current situation at the front, Ukraine’s peace efforts, and the results of Ukraine’s asymmetric actions, which are helping to strengthen our country’s negotiating position. The two officials paid particular attention to the growing risks associated with military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
Andrii Sybiha emphasized that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region is inseparable, and that the experience, technologies, and military practices that Russia and North Korea are gaining during the war against Ukraine will have consequences far beyond the European continent.
The parties also exchanged views on the long-term implications of Russian aggression for international security. The minister briefed the participants on the European initiative to restrict entry for individuals who participated in Russia’s war against Ukraine, emphasizing that this issue is primarily a matter of security. The combat experience gained by participants in the Russian aggression, including foreign mercenaries and militants, will continue to pose risks long after hostilities have ended.
Special attention was given to the issues of Ukraine’s recovery and energy resilience. The minister expressed gratitude to Japan for its significant contribution to supporting Ukraine’s energy sector. Thanks to the joint efforts of international partners, Ukraine was able to weather the most difficult winter of the war and is already preparing for the next heating season.
For her part, Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayano Kunimitsu reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering support for Ukraine. She noted Ukraine’s resilience amid a full-scale war, highly commended the progress made in implementing reforms, and assured that Japan stands ready to continue contributing to Ukraine’s recovery, strengthening its energy resilience, and developing the bilateral partnership.
“Japan will continue to stand by Ukraine. We deeply appreciate the courage of the Ukrainian people and remain committed to supporting efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace,” emphasized Ayano Kunimitsu, Japan’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Andrii Sybiha also thanked Japan for its support in preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage, particularly through UNESCO mechanisms. The minister drew attention to systematic Russian attacks on cultural and historical heritage sites, citing the recent targeted Russian strike on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
The interlocutors noted the positive momentum in the development of bilateral relations and discussed prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between Ukraine and Japan. In particular, they discussed involving the business community in reconstruction projects, developing innovative partnerships, and cooperating in the fields of unmanned technologies, artificial intelligence, and other promising areas.
A separate topic of discussion was preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2026), which will take place in Gdańsk. The parties discussed ways to mobilize international support for Ukraine’s reconstruction, strengthening its resilience, and long-term development.
The minister emphasized that, amid growing security challenges from Russia and North Korea, further strengthening the Ukrainian-Japanese partnership is in the interests of both countries and contributes to security, stability, and the achievement of a just and lasting peace.