Morenchuk A. Security Aspects of International Relations of Ukraine and the Japanese State in the Context of the Russian-Ukrainian War

The Russo-Ukrainian war has led to sharp changes in the security environment at both regional and global levels, altering the political course of certain countries. This is particularly noticeable in Ukrainian-Japanese relations. The geographically distant East Asian country has gained the status of a special global partner for Ukraine, consistently and thoroughly supporting it on international platforms and providing substantial financial and humanitarian assistance. Japan employs powerful diplomatic and economic tools to support Ukraine and its people. Against this backdrop, the long-established relations between Japan and the Russian Federation have sharply deteriorated. The intensity and number of military-political threats in the Asia-Pacific region have also significantly increased. All these events and processes have necessitated a fundamental revision of Japan's national security strategy. Since 2022, the country has made a radical departure from its traditional pacifist policy, which was based on the military presence of the United States. The government of Fumio Kishida has set new objectives: to ensure the effective defense of its territory by its own forces and the capability to deliver a counterstrike. The security configuration in the Asia-Pacific region has changed. Previously, it was based on bilateral agreements with the United States as the security guarantor, but now the importance of multilateral cooperation has increased. For instance, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) between Australia, India, the United States, and Japan has been revitalized. The political triangle – the Republic of Korea, the United States, and Japan – has also regained activity. The Tokyo authorities have intensified cooperation with NATO. Moreover, Japan is ready to become not only a powerful regional security player but also a global actor. These processes are extremely important for Ukraine. Firstly, the interdependence of Ukraine and Japan, especially in the security sphere, has grown significantly. Secondly, these countries share common threats, historical experiences, and deep mutual respect. Therefore, studying the bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Japan in the security context under modern conditions is a relevant scientific task. The aim of the research is to analyze the security aspects of international relations between Ukraine and Japan in the context of the Russo-Ukrainian war. For the first time, the factors that prompted Japan's active support of Ukraine have been comprehensively analyzed. Alongside security and political factors, particular attention is paid to socio-cultural aspects. Japan's response to crisis trends caused by the Russo-Ukrainian war is traced. Specifically, Japan's assistance to countries and regions affected by the "grain crisis" caused by Russia's blockade of Ukrainian Black Sea ports in 2022 is detailed. Japan's aid to the Republic of Moldova, whose economy has been significantly affected by the Russo-Ukrainian war, is also analyzed. This country has received a large number of refugees from Ukraine and has faced pressure from the Russian Federation in the energy sector, among other issues. It is proven that effective tools to counter Kremlin propaganda narratives are cultural diplomacy and means of "soft power.