Japan's Defense Shift Signals Possible Military Aid to Ukraine
Ambassador Lutovinov called the shift 'a very big step forward.'. Japan fears Beijing's Taiwan ambitions could draw it into conflict, viewing Ukraine's security as vital.
Former PM Fumio Kishida warned in 2022 that 'Ukraine today could be East Asia tomorrow.'. Lutovinov suggested Japanese firms could help Ukraine diversify drone components.
Japan may join NATO's Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, which has supplied over $4 billion.
Defense cooperation would require a formal tech transfer agreement; Japan has such accords with 18 countries, but Takaichi hasn't publicly committed to arms exports.
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