Ukrainian students who have evacuated to Japan and are studying at Tsukuba University held an event on December 2 to express their gratitude to their Japanese supporters.  

The event was organized by Ukrainian students, who welcomed the guests with traditional dances and homemade Ukrainian food.  

Tsukuba University has been accepting Ukrainian students since 2022, when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, and currently has 31 students enrolled.  

Not only university officials, but also local government officials and foundation staff were invited.  

Stephanii Parubets, Ukrainian student: Japan is far from Ukraine, but the warmth and kindness we felt here were immeasurable. On behalf of every student here, I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for spending with us during one of the most tragic chapters in the country's history. Thank you so much.  

Nagata Kyosuke, University of Tsukuba President: What you are learning in Japan and at the University of Tsukuba is not in vain, and your young power will be needed when the country recovers. The university would like to support you and contribute to Ukraine's future through it.  

As students live in Japan for a longer period, the university makes efforts to support them in their career paths, such as further education or employment.