The Japanese government decided, on Friday, to spend ¥8.8 billion ($75.3 million) from fiscal 2021 reserve funds for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
The Finance Ministry affirmed that Japan will offer assistance to relevant international organizations including the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and help fund the activities of Japanese nongovernmental organizations helping Ukraine.
The aid would include food, water and shelter for affected people in Ukraine and those fleeing to neighboring countries, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno.
On Wednesday, Russian media outlets reported that Ukraine had called on Tokyo to supply weapons, including missiles but the request was denied over violation of law.
Ukraine sent a letter to Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi at the end of February requesting weapons, including ammunition, anti-tank missiles and surface-to-air missiles.
On its part, the government considered sending arms and ammunition to Ukraine a violation of the “Three Principles” on arms supply abroad. Therefore, the request was denied.
However, Tokyo decided to send body armor, helmets, warm clothing, photographic equipment, tents, food and generators to Kiev.
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