Japan
The DPRK's political meeting decided on the “toughest” strategy to counter the United States. North Korea plans to develop relations with “friendly” countries and strengthen its defense capabilities.
In 2024, we launched 18 new Ukrainian-language audio guides to cultural sites around the world. We also donated hundreds of Ukrainian books to libraries in 8 countries as part of the Ukrainian Bookshelves project.
Vladimir Putin's experimental Oreshnik missile launched against Ukraine last month was manufactured by Russian companies that still rely on modern Western production equipment.
The NBU has set the official hryvnia exchange rate at UAH 41. 84/USD, which strengthened the hryvnia by 2 kopecks. In banks, a dollar can be bought for 42.25 UAH, and a euro for 44.14 UAH.
The governments of the United States and Japan have adopted new Extended Deterrence Guidelines to strengthen security in the region. The document is aimed at countering strategic and nuclear threats from China and North Korea.
The President of Ukraine has appointed Yuriy Vitrenko as Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna by Decree No. 881/2024. This appointment is part of a large-scale diplomatic reshuffle in Ukrainian missions abroad.
Ukraine has received about $1. 2 billion from Japan through World Bank projects. The funds will be used for social protection, economic recovery, healthcare, and education.
Social network Bluesky has launched a trending topics feature in beta. The feature is available on desktop and mobile devices, but is currently only available in English.
The NBU has set the official hryvnia exchange rate at 41. 86 UAH/USD and 43.51 UAH/€. In exchange offices and banks, the dollar is trading at UAH 41.82-42.34, and the euro at UAH 43.60-44.20.
Japanese airline JAL suffered a cyberattack that delayed 14 domestic flights and caused problems with international flights. The company has temporarily suspended ticket sales and is working to eliminate the consequences of the attack.
President Zelenskyy talks with Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Japan will provide Ukraine with $3 billion from frozen Russian assets and additional assistance for energy equipment.
The President of Ukraine had a phone conversation with the new Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba. They discussed Russian shelling, assistance and the DPRK's participation in the war against Ukraine.
Defense Minister Umerov announced that stable supplies of military aid for 2025 will be ensured. The United States provides 50% of the aid, European partners more than 40%, and the rest comes from other countries and Ukraine's own contributions.
Japan and the United Kingdom have provided $1 billion to Ukraine under the World Bank's DPL program. The funds will be used to strengthen the economy and finance social and humanitarian expenditures.
The President of Ukraine has identified key tasks for diplomats for the next year. The priorities include work on NATO, sanctions against Russia and achieving a just peace by 2025.
The President of Ukraine dismissed ambassadors to Rwanda, Kenya, Slovenia, China, Indonesia, Japan, and Lithuania. New diplomats have been appointed in their place, in particular in Rwanda, the Philippines, Lithuania, Hungary, Slovenia, and Congo.
A selection of psychological animated films for family viewing that reveal important life themes. From a story about a robot on a desert island to a drama about an aircraft designer, each cartoon has a deep meaning.
The World Bank will provide Ukraine with $2 billion through the DPL mechanism. $1 billion will come as a grant from the FIF fund at the expense of the United States, and another $1.05 billion will be provided as a loan guaranteed by Japan and the United Kingdom.
The second attempt to launch a Kairos rocket by Space One Co. ended in self-destruction shortly after launch. The company's president, Masakazu Toyoda, said that the data obtained will help in future launches.
The World Bank has approved a new $1. 05 billion DPO operation for Ukraine and an additional $1 billion grant. The funds will be used for economic reforms, railroad development, and renewable energy.
U. S. Deputy Secretary of State Pyatt supports the termination of Russian gas transit through Ukraine after the contract expires. The EU is preparing for the end of the contract and plans to completely abandon Russian energy resources by 2027.
Media reports suggest a possible merger between Nissan and Honda to create a new holding company. The combined company with Mitsubishi will be able to sell more than 8 million cars annually, competing with Toyota and Volkswagen.
The US Navy has sent the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier with six F-35C Lightning II fighters to the Philippine Sea. The increased military presence comes after China's large-scale exercises near Taiwan involving 90 ships.
The foreign ministers of 10 countries and the EU condemned military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, including the deployment of North Korean troops. The countries called on Pyongyang to stop helping Moscow and withdraw its troops.
The United Kingdom has joined the Trans-Pacific Trade Pact, which includes 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The country will have access to preferential trade terms with eight parties to the agreement.
In 2025, more than UAH 2. 2 trillion is allocated for the Defense Forces, which is 26.3% of GDP. Funding will be provided through changes to the Tax Code and funds from the ERA program.
The Kobzar-Lirnytsia tradition and the art of Easter egg making have been officially recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage of humanity. These are the first Ukrainian practices to be included in the organization's registers in 2023.
China has deployed the largest navy in the last three decades in regional waters off Taiwan. 47 military aircraft, 12 warships and Coast Guard activity were recorded.
Tanaka Terumi, 92, Secretary General of Nihon Hidankyo, received a gold medal and a diploma at a ceremony in Oslo. The organization, founded by atomic bombing survivors, fights for the prohibition of nuclear weapons.
Ukraine will receive $454 million from the World Bank for healthcare development under the THRIVE project. The money will be used to strengthen the effectiveness of the healthcare system in times of war.