Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine

Over the past two years, Japan's relations with Ukraine have advanced in various ways. In August 2024, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky described the partnership with Japan as exemplary, but later stated that the results have not been as significant as anticipated. Japan's ambassador to Ukraine, Masashi Nakagome, has explained that this difference in expectations may be due to the rapid and substantial support Japan provided during the early stages of the war.

Additionally, Nakagome noted that as relations have deepened, expectations may have grown for even more substantial support.

In terms of economic relations, Japan's government has been actively promoting economic growth and reconstruction in Ukraine. Public-private cooperation has been a significant aspect of this, with Japanese companies investing in various sectors of the Ukrainian economy. In 2024, Japan hosted the Ukraine Mine Action Conference and created an impressive Ukrainian pavilion at Expo Osaka, which sent an important message about Japan's support for Ukraine to the world.

During this period, Japan has maintained its position of supporting Ukraine and maintaining sanctions against Russia, in coordination with the G7. The Japanese government has not changed its stance on these issues and continues to work closely with Ukraine to address issues related to Russia. Japan's ambassador to Ukraine emphasized that Japan's policy of supporting Ukraine and maintaining sanctions against Russia remains unchanged.

However, Japan's recent steps towards Russia have raised concerns in Ukraine. The Japanese government has been involved in discussions with Russian officials, including attending a Japanese-Russian business forum in Manila and inviting Kremlin special representative Mikhail Shvydkoi to Japan. Japan maintains that its position has not changed and that it is addressing issues related to its neighboring country, such as visits to graves in the Northern Territories.

Nakagome also addressed the importance of anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine, stating that Japan views these reforms as crucial for the country's development and stability. He further elaborated on Japan's interest in providing Ukraine with additional energy assistance and the potential for Ukraine to obtain lethal weapons from Japan.