The Japanese government says it has decided to offer debt relief of 7.8 billion yen to Ukraine to help ease the economic burden imposed on the country since it was invaded by Russia.

Ukraine was supposed to pay back the amount, which is equivalent to over 60 million dollars at current rates, to Japan by the end of this year. It was to have been part of repayments of financial assistance.

Japan's Foreign Ministry says it has agreed with Kyiv that the money will be repaid in 10 installments over a six-month period, starting June 2027.

It's the first time for the Japanese government to defer repayments of its assistance to Ukraine.

The government says it will continue working with other Group of Seven nations and the rest of the international community to offer support to Ukraine.