Japanese-Polish cooperation in the field of humanitarian aid for Ukraine : formal and informal networks

Abstract

After the Russian military assault on Ukraine on 24 February 2022, humanitarian aid for refugees from the conflict zone became a high priority in Poland. Japan, a nation which has unresolved territorial disputes with Russia and historical reasons to be concerned about Russian military expansion, started to actively support Ukraine. Sanctions against Russia by the Kishida cabinet were implemented together with emergency humanitarian assistance funds to Ukraine. Poland became a hub in which Japanese NGOs and individual Japanese citizens started to act. Moreover, Japanese funds were transferred to Polish organisations which provided Ukraine with help on behalf of the Japanese government and Japanese NGOs.