Kharkiv, Ukraine, 7 October 2025 –  A delegation from the Embassy of Japan, led by Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, together with representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), visited Kharkiv to discuss the challenges faced by the city and meet with farmers cultivating land cleared of mines in the region.  

During the meeting with Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv, the parties discussed current and future joint projects aimed at restoring Kharkiv’s housing infrastructure, developing municipal enterprises, and supporting the city amid the new challenges of the winter period. 

The city of Kharkiv continues to face regular attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure. According to the local authorities, from 29 September 2025 to 5 October 2025, the city sustained over 29 attacks, and residents spent 46 hours under air raid alerts. This escalation of attacks on Kharkiv’s infrastructure underscores the continued need for international support to ensure access to essential services. 

The meeting with local farmers was part of preparations for the upcoming Ukrainian Mine Action Conference (UMAC 2025) and the Soul of Soil advocacy campaign – Japan will host this event in Tokyo in two weeks, where UNDP will organize its side events. The delegation also sampled produce grown on demined fields and heard first-hand stories from people living and working in front-line and previously occupied areas. 

Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, who has visited Kharkiv for the first time, commended the relentless efforts of the Kharkiv city authorities to restore power under extremely challenging conditions. “Japan is proud to contribute to these important efforts. Through our cooperation with UNDP and JICA, we have helped ensure more reliable access to heating, water, and electricity for over nine million people across the country,” he said. “Japan will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Kharkiv and all of Ukraine,” Ambassador Nakagome added. 

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine Christophoros Politis highlighted that strengthening Kharkiv’s resilience remains a key priority for UNDP. “With support from Japanese government and other international partners, UNDP is helping the city enhance its energy security and advance reconstruction through debris removal,” he said. “We will continue working alongside the city of Kharkiv and the Government of Ukraine to build back better despite the war’s challenges.”  

Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv, emphasized the city’s determination to endure despite relentless attacks: “For three and a half years, Kharkiv has faced unimaginable challenges –relentless attacks, the destruction of critical infrastructure, and constant threats to the lives of our residents,” Terekhov said. “We are deeply grateful for the steadfast support of the Government of Japan and UNDP, who stand with us in these difficult times. Together, we are building the foundations of resilience, ensuring that Kharkiv not only survives but continues to work, grow, and provide decent living conditions for its people.” 

Background:  

The Government of Japan is a longstanding and vital partner of UNDP, supporting a wide range of recovery and development initiatives across the country, including the provision of equipment for the restoration of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. Previously, the Government of Japan and UNDP provided three powerful gas turbines, autotransformers, and two gas-piston cogeneration units, further enhancing the capacity of Ukraine’s energy system. 

Media enquiries: 

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications and Advocacy; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org