Zelenskyy expresses hope for defense cooperation between Ukraine and Japan

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he hopes to expand defense cooperation with Japan, and an early meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

In an interview with Japan's Kyodo News in Kyiv published on Friday, Zelenskyy said air defense is “crucial” for his country and that it would be “very helpful” if Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi decided to open dialogue on this topic.

“Madame prime minister -- she's very welcome … We can think about it as quick as possible,” Zelenskyy was quoted as saying in response to a question on a possible meeting with Takaichi.

Zelenskyy said he is ready to meet the Japanese premier "in any format," including on the sidelines of major multilateral gatherings or during a visit to Japan.

He highlighted the importance of cooperation for Ukraine with countries that hold licenses to produce air defense systems, mentioning Japan as “one of these countries.”

Zelenskyy said air defense systems are “not for offensive” purposes but only to counter Russia's missile and drone attacks.

Ukraine can share sea drone technology with Japan, he said, adding that his country has proved that such capability “works,” with Russian vessels unable to operate near its shores.

In a separate statement on the US social media company X, Zelenskyy defined potential defense cooperation between Ukraine and Japan as “historic,” and that Takaichi would also be “very welcome” to visit Ukraine. “I think it would be very important for our two countries.”