United to win: Japan donates ground armor to Ukraine for protection of key infrastructure facilities

Japan transferred 1,800 gabions, which are protective structures for critical infrastructure facilities, to Ukraine. 320 of them have already been delivered.

The Ministry of Development reported this.

What is the problem?

Critical infrastructure facilities have been a constant target for Russian missiles and drones since the first days of full-scale war.

So, on the night of February 12, the Russian army damaged the Ukrenergo substation in the Dnipropetrovsk region with drones, leaving more than 53,000 residents without power, including seven mines where more than 1,000 workers were employed.

The enemy attack on the night of February 3 on the energy infrastructure of Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region, was one of the most massive attacks on the energy industry in a year.

In addition, it was reported that on January 23, after the Russian shelling of Kharkiv, the brigades of the Kharkiv branch of Gas Distribution Networks of Ukraine LLC stopped the fire at the gas pipeline.

What is the solution?

Japan handed Ukraine 1,800 gabions, which are protective structures for critical infrastructure facilities, of which 320 have already been delivered.

How does it work?

"Thanks to the partnership assistance of the Japanese government, we received additional capabilities for the passive protection of important infrastructure facilities," said Oleksandra Azarkhina, deputy head of the department.

The Ministry of Development indicated that the gabions will be divided between all line-production departments of the Ukrainian Railways Operator.

In particular, this applies to the frontline regions, which need the greatest protection of critical objects.

The Gas Transport System Operator will receive the rest of the gabions soon. Protective structures will be installed immediately upon arrival at the facilities to increase protection.

In his turn, the Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine, Kuninori Matsuda, emphasized:

"Glad to see that the first gabions, which we call "ground armor," have already arrived to you. The gabions have proven their high anti-explosion qualities and are being used by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces."

For reference:

As reported, the Japanese government intends to provide Ukraine with an additional ¥15.8 billion (US$106 million) to support the country's recovery from the consequences of the war in seven areas.

Additionally, Japan contributed $390 million to Ukraine's state budget through World Bank initiatives focused on promoting social welfare and revitalizing the agriculture sector.

In addition, Japan plans to allocate 37 million dollars in aid to Ukraine, which will be used to purchase drone detection systems.

In addition, Ukraine will receive seven high-voltage autotransformers and five gas turbines from Japan.