The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, announced that Russia has formally summoned the Japanese ambassador to Moscow over Japan’s recently concluded agreement with Ukraine on drone technology. Zakharova pointed out that the agreement involves providing drones and related technical support to Ukraine, which is viewed as direct participation in hostile actions against Russia, likely to further escalate the Russia-Ukraine conflict and intensify regional tensions.
Russia emphasized that Japan’s move not only contradicts its previously declared "peace stance," but also effectively places Japan on the side opposing Russia. The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that such actions will have serious repercussions on bilateral relations between Russia and Japan, and Russia reserves the right to take further countermeasures.
Previously, the Japanese drone company Terra Drone signed an agreement with Ukraine’s Amazing Drones to jointly develop and mass-produce low-cost interception drones (each costing approximately $2,000–$3,000), with plans to potentially manufacture them domestically in Japan. Russia noted that Ukraine has long used drones to attack civilians within Russian territory, and Japan’s involvement thus increasingly draws it into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, severely damaging Russia-Japan relations.
On March 25, Zakharova had previously warned that supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine would be regarded as hostile conduct and would trigger a firm response from Russia.
Before entering into drone cooperation with Ukraine, Japan may already have prepared itself for potential Russian retaliation: In recent years, Japan has significantly increased its defense budget, provided non-lethal equipment to Ukraine (such as bulletproof vests and tents), and participated in sanctions against Russia. The drone collaboration is merely an extension of this trend. Russia has already suspended peace treaty negotiations with Japan and halted energy cooperation dialogues—developments that Japan likely anticipated.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861901371093132/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.