On March 5, 2025, the New Europe Center organized the Fifth Ukraine-Japan Forum. The main topic of the event was “Strengthening the Special Global Partnership. Ukraine and Japan on the Path to Victory and a Just Peace.”

The forum focused on three important panels:

• How can the democratic duo of Ukraine and Japan counter the alliance of the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”?
• Japan as a doorway to the G7 and the Global South for Ukraine. Which mission is more necessary?
• From special to strategic partnership. What are the key elements for transforming the special global partnership between Ukraine and Japan into a strategic one?

Alyona Getmanchuk, Director of the New Europe Center, emphasized in her opening remarks the importance of strengthening a rules-based international order, especially as Russia’s aggression is undermining the foundations of this order.

Today, as we witness the dismantling of the very foundation of our partnership since 2014, the rules-based international order, when the value of alliances is being undermined, and some countries are forced to choose between security guarantees and the principles of freedom and democracy, Russia’s war against Ukraine has long evolved into a conflict sustained only through increased cooperation with Iran, North Korea, and China. In these circumstances, we need even stronger support and closer partnership with Japan, including in the security and defense sectors.

Alyona Getmanchuk, Director of the New Europe Center

Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, and Yevhen Perebyinis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, also welcomed the participants.

Japan remains resolute in its belief that this war is not merely a conflict—it is an outright act of aggression against a sovereign state. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an egregious violation that violates the very foundation of the international order. Japan firmly opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force—whether in Ukraine, East Asia, or anywhere in the world.

Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine

During the panel discussion “How can the democratic duo of Ukraine and Japan counter the alliance of the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?“, moderated by Hanna Hopko, participants discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. They emphasized Japan’s crucial role as a strategic partner in supporting Ukraine, especially in light of recent developments and shifts in relations with the United States. In this context, Japan’s role became even more significant for global security and stability.

When planning this panel discussion, we could only predict what the policy of the new U.S. President would be. Recently, he stated that the U.S. does not support either side, and now, it is clear that many around the world are asking how to act when the “axis of evil” is gaining strength, and the U.S. has chosen the role of a mediator.

Hanna Hopko, co-founder of ICUV and head of the National Interests Advocacy Network. “ANTS”

Mykhailo Gonchar, President of the Strategy XXI, also shared his perspective on changes in international relations, particularly the impact of the Trump administration’s policies on allied partnerships.

The Trump Administration is currently turning partners and allies into opponents. It is necessary to distinguish between Trump’s policy and the policy of the United States. And we should not rule out any scenario.

Mykhailo Gonchar, Ukrainian expert on international energy and security relations, President of the Strategy XXI

One of the key topics discussed during the forum was the confiscation of Russian assets to support Ukraine, as well as the involvement of Japanese businesses in the country’s post-war reconstruction. Olena Halushka, Head of the Board of ICUV, emphasized Japan’s role in supporting Ukraine’s civil society.

Japan needs to actively support Ukraine’s civil society, as this is a long-term guarantee that Ukraine will not deviate from its democratic path.

Olena Halushka, Head of the Board of the International center for Ukrainian victory (ICUV), Member of the Board at Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC)