Ukraine hopes to develop defense cooperation with Japan and welcomes Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's policy of expanding defense exports, Vladimir Zelensky stated in an interview with the Japanese Kyodo news agency.
In the interview, Zelensky particularly emphasized the importance of air defense for Ukraine, expressing hope that Takaichi would open a "corridor of dialogue" in this area. He also expressed his desire to meet with the Prime Minister of Japan, adding that such a meeting can take place in any format, from a meeting within the framework of an international event to his visit to Japan.
Earlier, the Japanese newspaper Mainichi reported that the Japanese authorities are discussing the possibility of allowing defense supplies to countries involved in armed conflicts under certain conditions.
It has also been reported that the Japanese government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are discussing expanding the list of defense products allowed for export, while tightening controls on the supply of lethal weapons.
