Kyiv, 18 June 2026 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with funding from the Government of Japan, has assisted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in developing its Communications Strategy and Public Diplomacy Strategy.

The newly developed documents are aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s institutional capacity in the fields of strategic communications and public diplomacy amid full-scale war and an increasingly complex international information environment.

 These documents are designed to ensure Ukraine’s international outreach is coordinated, consistent, and evidence-based. They aim to strengthen engagement with global partners while increasing the efficacy of messaging regarding Ukraine’s recovery, reform, and development agendas.The presentation of the Communications Strategy and Public Diplomacy Strategy brought together representatives of government institutions, civil society organisations, think tanks, international organisations, diplomatic missions, and partner institutions. The participants discussed approaches to implementing the strategies and further strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation.

Mariana Betsa, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, emphasised the importance of a strategic approach to communications during wartime:

"The documents we’re presenting today reflect a significant shift in the ministry’s approach,” Betsa said. “We’ve moved from situational, reactive communication to systematic strategic planning; from individual initiatives to a coherent architecture; and from tactical decisions to a long-term vision.” 

“In the context of the full-scale war, it is particularly important for Ukraine to ensure timely, truthful, and coordinated government communications. This is essential for maintaining the trust of international partners, articulating a clear and consistent state position, and effectively communicating Ukraine’s priorities in recovery, reforms, and development. We’re grateful to UNDP in Ukraine and the Government of Japan for supporting this important initiative."

Christophoros Politis, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Ukraine, highlighted the importance of such initiatives for strengthening trust in Ukraine:

"For UNDP, supporting initiatives such as this is an investment in Ukraine’s ability to make its voice heard globally, strengthen its resilience, and build trust,” Politis said. “In today’s environment, strategic communications help not only to counter disinformation but also to strengthen connections between institutions, citizens, and international partners.”

“This is why the strategies presented today are particularly important — they establish a more coordinated, consistent, and forward-looking approach to communications. We’re grateful to the Government of Japan for its continued support of this work."

Media enquiries:

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