Ministry of Internal Affairs signs grant agreement with JICA: approximately JPY 4 billion to be allocated for humanitarian demining and rehabilitation

Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko and Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ukraine Office, Osamu Hattori, signed a grant agreement to implement the Emergency Response Programme for humanitarian demining and clearance of unexploded ordnance.

The signing of the agreement will allow for the allocation of grant assistance in the estimated amount of approximately JPY 4 billion. The funding will be directed towards two key areas:

• humanitarian demining of contaminated areas in Ukraine, including the purchase of demining equipment and training on mine risk education for the population;
• purchasing equipment for the provision of healthcare and medical rehabilitation services.

At the beginning of the meeting, Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko expressed his gratitude to the Japanese side for its comprehensive support of Ukraine and noted that it is precisely trust and openness between partners that make it possible to achieve practical results even in wartime.

"It is trust and openness that enable us to implement the plans we have set out. Our priorities remain humanitarian demining, the functioning of the Humanitarian Demining Centre and capacity building for the clearance of territories in Ukraine, even during the war.

Thanks to JICA's support, we have significantly strengthened our technical capabilities – we have received mechanised demining machines, hand-held metal detectors and other specialised equipment. This assistance has already saved many lives, especially those of our deminers," emphasised Ihor Klymenko.

The Minister of Internal Affairs also highlighted the medical aspect, in particular Japan's assistance in providing medical equipment to the Main Medical Clinical Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the treatment of patients with mine and explosive injuries, which account for 65% of all injuries.

"There is a lot of work ahead, but the agreement signed earlier and today between the Government of Ukraine and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will allow us to move quickly and effectively," said Ihor Klymenko.

In turn, Osamu Hattori, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Ukraine, emphasised the symbolic and practical significance of the agreement.

"Today's signing of the Grant Agreement is much more than a formal step. It is a moment that reflects the shared hope and commitment of the governments of Japan and Ukraine to rebuild the country and save lives. We are well aware that the danger of mines and unexploded ordnance threatens the lives of Ukrainian citizens every day – children going to school, farmers seeking to return to their work, families dreaming of living in their own homes again. Restoring security is the first and most important step towards the complete reconstruction of Ukraine," Osamu Hattori emphasised.

The grant agreement is the next mandatory step in implementing the arrangements between the governments of Ukraine and Japan reached in December 2025. Its signing will ensure the actual receipt of international assistance and the launch of the practical implementation of the Programme.

The implementation of the Programme shall contribute to accelerating the clearance of mines and unexploded ordnance, preserving the lives and health of citizens, and reducing risks to the civilian population, especially in regions that have suffered significant destruction as a result of hostilities. This is an important practical step towards restoring security, returning people to normal life and overcoming the long-lasting consequences of war.