KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday expressed hope for cooperation with Japan on defense issues and an early meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, welcoming her push to loosen the country’s rules on lethal arms exports.
Noting that air defense is “crucial” for the country in repelling Russia’s full-scale invasion launched in February 2022, Zelenskyy said in an exclusive interview with Kyodo News in Kyiv that it would be “very helpful” if Takaichi decides to open a “corridor for the dialogue” in this area.
On a possible meeting with Takaichi, who took office in October and solidified her grip on power with the landslide victory of her party in a general election on Feb. 8, the president said, “Madame prime minister — she’s very welcomed…We can think about it as quick as possible.”
Zelenskyy said he is ready to meet “in any format” such as on the sidelines of major multilateral gatherings or by visiting Japan.
He highlighted the importance of cooperation with countries that hold licenses to produce air defense systems, citing Japan as “one of these countries.” Japan, a close U.S. ally, produces Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptor missiles under a U.S. license.
He said Ukraine, for its part, can share unmanned surface vehicle technology with Japan, saying his country has proved that its sea drone capability “works,” with Russian vessels unable to operate near its shores.
Japan has allowed the export of weapons under certain conditions since its arms embargo policy, long seen as symbolic of the country’s pacifist stance under the war-renouncing Constitution, was scrapped in 2014.
Under Takaichi, a security hawk who has pledged to beef up the country’s defense capabilities, the Japanese government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are considering further lifting the remaining constraints on defense equipment transfers amid a tense regional security environment.
The current rules limit defense equipment transfers to five noncombat purposes — rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping. In cases in which countries are facing aggression in violation of international law, only nonlethal weapons can be exported.
During the interview, Zelenskyy rejected any withdrawal of troops from the eastern Donbas region to secure a peace deal, as negotiations continue with Russia.
“We can’t withdraw from our territory. It’s our real defending line,” he said.
Russia is seeking full control of the Donbas region and has demanded that Ukrainian forces withdraw.
The president also indicated North Korea had gained military know-how through its role in Russia’s war against Ukraine, posing a potential risk to Japan’s security.
North Korean troops engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces that launched a cross-border incursion into Russia’s western Kursk region and temporarily seized parts of the area.
Zelenskyy, a former actor and TV host, announced his bid for the presidency in December 2018. He won the election in April 2019 and took office the following month.
BY: The Times Union – KYODO
