Japan has already provided Ukraine with $1.1 billion in financial, humanitarian and military aid and intends to allocate another $500 million, Interfax-Ukraine reports.
The Ambassador emphasized that from the first days of the full-scale invasion of Russia, Japan started to provide financial, humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine.
Regarding military assistance, he noted that by law, Japan cannot directly provide weapons but for the first time the Japanese government has decided to provide non-lethal equipment, including drones, helmets, body armour, winter clothing, as well as first aid kits and rations.
"We continue to expand the list. And now we are negotiating with Ukrainian colleagues on the possibility of providing dual-use technologies," the ambassador added.
Matsuda also stressed that Japan supports Ukraine through diplomatic efforts.
"We appeal to those countries that have not yet decided on their position on this war, or to those countries that still remain neutral. These are the goals of our diplomatic approach," Matsuda said.
He explained that this is how the Japanese are trying to convince other countries to support Ukraine or participate in international sanctions regimes.
The main directions of further cooperation between Ukraine and Japan should be assistance in the heating season, assessment of damages and needs for restoration in the sphere of housing and communal services, as well as reconstruction of Ukraine.