Tokyo: Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has vowed to "ensure everyone in Ukraine lives free from threat of landmines," during his address at the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC 2025) held in Tokyo. Highlighting the ongoing danger posed by landmines, Motegi emphasized their impact on civilian lives and the hindrance they present to Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction efforts.

According to Anadolu Agency, Motegi, who was recently appointed foreign minister by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, reaffirmed Japan's commitment to supporting Ukraine through public-private partnerships. He announced a new support package named the "Ukraine Mine Action Support Initiative," aimed at aiding the reconstruction process through various essential supports, including human capacity and capability building, socio-economic revitalization, and medical and welfare support.

Motegi also revealed plans for an upcoming Memorandum of Cooperation on mine action between Japan, Ukraine, and Colombia. He asserted Japan's dedication to ensuring a future where "everyone in Ukraine live free from the threat of landmines in the just and lasting peace."

The conference saw the attendance of prominent figures including Ukrainian Economy, Environment and Agriculture Minister Oleksii Sobolev, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, and Sweden's Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin.

Earlier this month, Ukrainian Deputy Finance Minister Olga Zykova stated that since 2022, Japan has provided $8.7 billion in budget assistance to Ukraine, with $955 million as grants. She noted the continued necessity for external financing to maintain stability in Ukraine for 2026 and beyond, as per a statement released on the ministry's Facebook page.