Japan plans to spend ¥8.8 billion on humanitarian aid for Ukraine

Japan plans to spend $8.8 billion on humanitarian assistance in Ukraine. Image Credit

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine late last month, the Japanese government decided on Friday to spend 8.8 billion yen ($75.3 million) from fiscal 2021 reserve funds to provide humanitarian aid to the country.

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 Finance Ministry said.

The amount is part of the $100 million in emergency humanitarian relief provided by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last month.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a press conference on Friday that the aid would include food, water, and shelter for those affected in Ukraine and those fleeing to neighboring countries.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is now in its third week, with no progress in talks between the two countries on a cease-fire agreement.

According to the United Nations refugee agency, the fighting has resulted in civilian losses and an outflow of more than 2 million refugees.

Earlier this week, Japan approved eight displaced Ukrainian nationals with relatives or friends in the country 90 days of short-term residency.

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