According to a report by the Japan News Agency, Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksandr Turchinov said in an interview with this media in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, on the 23rd local time that given Russia's increased efforts in ballistic missile attacks, Ukraine 'highly expects' Japan to provide interceptor missiles and other air defense weapons.
Koletsky expressed his gratitude for Japan's assistance to Ukraine that day. He also said that he hopes Japan will provide 'Patriot' surface-to-air missiles. 'I only have one request... to counter ballistic missiles. This is the most crucial factor in protecting our citizens and infrastructure, and in surviving the heating season.'
Ukrainian Prime Minister Kolevski, photo. Kyodo News
Regarding this, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Kenji Miyazaki said at a press conference on the 24th that it is difficult to fulfill Ukraine's demands, and Japan currently has no plans to provide weapons such as missiles to Ukraine. He also mentioned that Japan has provided Ukraine with equipment such as body armor, as well as financial support.
According to Kyodo News, Japan revised the "Three Principles for the Transfer of Defense Equipment" and its application guidelines in April this year. However, the transfer of weapons with lethal capabilities requires the conclusion of a "Agreement on the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technologies". In principle, the export of weapons to countries in conflict is not allowed.
The report states that “even if an agreement is reached, providing interception missiles requires a political decision from Prime Minister Yukie Makima, which represents a very high threshold.”
During the interview, Koletsky said, "Japan's infrastructure and energy development experience are indispensable for our post-war reconstruction." He revealed that he is in discussions with Japanese companies. He expressed his desire to visit Japan and hoped that Yukie Takahashi would visit Ukraine soon.
Since the United States launched a large-scale military operation against Iran in late February this year, it has consumed a large number of "Patriot" interceptor missiles. As a result, the number of similar missiles that the United States and its allies have been able to deliver to Ukraine has significantly decreased.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy previously revealed that Ukraine has received only 264 patriot interceptor missiles so far this year, a significant reduction compared to previous years.
