Japan's Eased Weapons Export Rules Open Door for Possible Military Supplies to Ukraine, Kyiv Ambassador Says

Soon after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Japan's then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned that "Ukraine today could be East Asia tomorrow," approving Japan's biggest military buildup since World War Two. Last week, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi went further, easing Japan's weapons export rules, a significant shift away from its strict postwar pacifist position. Ukraine's Ambassador to Japan, Yurii Lutovinov, told Reuters the change now allows formal talks on potential military supplies, calling it "a very big step forward." Ukraine is also seeking Japanese investment to develop a domestic air-defence system to reduce dependence on U.S.-made Patriot missiles. Discussions are ongoing about Japan joining NATO's Ukraine equipment-funding programme, which has already supplied more than $4 billion in equipment and munitions.