Ukraine and Japan sign memorandum on humanitarian demining cooperation

At the UMAC 2025 Conference held in Tokyo, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on Humanitarian Demining on October 22, 2025. The document formalizes a strategic partnership between the two countries through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which plays a key role in supporting Ukraine’s efforts to address the mine threat.

The Memorandum was signed by Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, and Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine. “The signing of the Memorandum with JICA strengthens security through humanitarian demining and reaffirms the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Japan in rebuilding key sectors of the economy. We deeply value Japan’s support in addressing the mine threat and its readiness to invest in Ukraine’s energy, innovation, and sustainable development,” said Sobolev.

The cooperation under the Memorandum focuses on demining agricultural land to restore food security, supporting Ukrainian manufacturers of demining equipment, and advancing innovation in mine action technologies. The parties also agreed to enhance Ukraine’s capacity in humanitarian demining through joint training and technical assistance programs.

During a meeting with JICA President Akihiko Tanaka, Minister Sobolev discussed the expansion of partnership in Ukraine’s recovery and economic development sectors. The Japanese side confirmed its readiness to support several initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s energy resilience, industrial capacity, and agricultural recovery.

In the energy sector, JICA will consider additional financing and reallocation of existing resources to support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. In terms of investment, both sides discussed the preparation of a bilateral investment agreement and technical assistance to UkraineInvest to boost cooperation with Japanese companies. They also addressed support for infrastructure projects and the development of Ukraine’s Industrial Strategy.

Special attention was given to the development of critical minerals, including titanium and lithium, with potential Japanese investment and technology transfer. The discussion also covered agricultural and environmental initiatives, such as launching new irrigation and water management programs in response to the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, and waste management projects to support reconstruction in affected regions.

Tags: Ukraine, Japan, demining