Ukraine-Japan: Partnership in a Globalized World. A Meeting with Ambassador Sergiy Korsunsky

On March 29th, Aspen Institute Kyiv held a conversation with Sergiy Korsunsky (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Japan and “Responsible Leadership-14” seminar alumni) for members of the Aspen-Community on the topic of “Ukraine-Japan: Partnership for Strategic Victories in a Globalized World.”

The meeting with Sergiy Korsunsky occurred shortly after the landmark visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Ukraine.

Ambassador Korsunsky spoke about the assistance Japan provided to Ukraine after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Japan has already provided equipment for the armed forces and direct financial aid of over US$7 billion. The current budget of the Japanese government also plans to allocate significant funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine. In addition, Japan provides support in the field of education. For example, 460 Ukrainian students study for free at 87 Japanese universities.

Like most events for the Aspen Community, this conversation was held off the record, and Mr. Korsunsky candidly and in detail shared his thoughts and assessments regarding:

• The significance of Fumio Kishida’s visit to Ukraine.
• Territorial disputes between Japan and Russia.
• The role of China and India in the Asian region.
• Competition between China and the United States.
• Overcoming the “russkiy mir” narratives in Asia and building Ukrainian discourse in the area.
• The importance of Asian countries as the industrial heart of the planet and how Ukraine can build relations with them.

In addition to professional comments on the current situation, the meeting participants heard interesting historical excursions from Mr. Korsunsky, which helped to understand the context and significance of certain events.

This meeting was the first in a series of conversations on geopolitical topics with Ukrainian diplomats!