KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday expressed hope for cooperation with Japan on defense issues, welcoming Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s push to loosen her country’s rules on arms exports, including lethal weapons.
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.
The president also said he is eager to meet Takaichi, who took office in October and solidified her grip on power with the landslide victory of her ruling Liberal Democratic Party in a general election on Feb. 8.
“Madame prime minister — she’s very welcomed…We can think about it as quick as possible,” Zelenskyy said, adding he is ready to meet “in any format” such as on the sidelines of major multilateral gatherings or by visiting Japan.
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.
Takaichi’s government and the LDP are pushing to remove some of the remaining constraints on defense equipment transfers in a bid to ramp up security ties with like-minded countries and foster Japan’s defense industry.
During the interview, Zelenskyy touched on transferring unmanned surface vehicle technology to Japan. He also said North Korea has gained military know-how through its role in Russia’s war against Ukraine, posing a potential risk to Japan’s security.
The president, meanwhile, rejected any withdrawal of troops from the eastern Donbas region to secure a peace deal, as negotiations continue with Russia.
Russia is seeking full control of the Donbas region and has demanded that Ukrainian forces withdraw.
North Korean troops engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces that had 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.