Ukraine Seeks Japanese Weapons to Deter Russian Invasion as Tokyo Eases Arms Export Rules

Yurii Lutovinov, Ukraine''s Ambassador to Japan, stated in an interview with Reuters that Japan''s recent relaxation of arms export regulations may open the door for negotiations between Ukraine and Japan. He expressed hope that Tokyo will one day supply weapons to Ukraine to help defend against Russian aggression. "This gives us a chance for dialogue. Theoretically speaking, it is a significant step forward," Lutovinov said. As the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East continue, Western weapon supplies are under strain. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pushed for the relaxation of arms export rules last week, drawing significant international attention. This marks Tokyo''s latest move away from its strictly pacifist post-war stance. Although Japan''s new regulations still prohibit exporting weapons to conflict zones, they allow for a few exceptions if they concern Tokyo''s own security interests—a loophole Kyiv hopes to benefit from. Facing China''s growing military power, Japan has closely linked Ukraine''s fate to its own security. With Japanese territory only about 110 kilometers from Taiwan, Tokyo worries about being drawn into a regional conflict if Beijing uses force against Taiwan. Following Russia''s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned that "Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow." He approved Japan''s largest military expansion since World War II, a plan Sanae Takaichi has accelerated since taking office last October. Lutovinov noted, "If Ukraine falls, it will trigger a serious domino effect... That is why we are inseparable from the Indo-Pacific and the European continent from a security perspective." Takaichi has not yet publicly stated whether she supports military aid to Ukraine. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Reuters via email, stating, "Japan currently has no plans to provide weapons." However, according to a record from the Prime Minister''s Office, Takaichi told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a phone call last November that "Japan stands with Ukraine" and supports Kyiv''s efforts for "a just and lasting peace as soon as possible." Reuters reported that like any country interested in purchasing Japanese military equipment, Ukraine must sign a defense equipment and technology transfer agreement with Tokyo. Japan has already signed such agreements with 18 countries, including Germany, Australia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Lutovinov pointed out that Ukraine is handling negotiations cautiously due to the high sensitivity regarding arms exports in Japan. He suggested Tokyo could help Kyiv develop an air defense system, thereby reducing Ukraine''s reliance on U.S.-made Patriot missiles, which are currently in increasingly short supply.