Ukraine's Ambassador: Japan's easing of arms export restrictions enables dialogue on cooperation with Ukraine, a major step forward

Yurii Lutovinov, Ukraine's ambassador to Japan, told Reuters that Japan's relaxation of arms export restrictions has paved the way for potential negotiations, and Tokyo might in the future provide military equipment to Ukraine to help it resist Russia's invasion.

Speaking at Ukraine’s embassy in Tokyo, Lutovinov said: "This allows us to open dialogue. Theoretically speaking, this is a significant advancement."

Japan’s Prime Minister Asahi Hayato’s government recently eased arms export restrictions — the latest move by Japan in departing from its postwar strict pacifist stance — drawing widespread attention, especially as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are placing pressure on Western arms production.

Last Tuesday, 21st, the Japanese government passed a cabinet resolution finalizing revisions to the “Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment” and their implementation guidelines. The previous restriction limiting arms exports to five non-combat uses has been lifted, allowing in principle the export of finished weapons, including lethal ones, and under specific circumstances permitting arms exports to countries involved in conflicts. Kyiv hopes to benefit from this change.

Shortly after the full-scale outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned: "Today’s Ukraine could be tomorrow’s East Asia." He approved Japan’s largest military expansion plan since World War II, and Asahi has been accelerating this initiative since taking office in October last year.

Lutovinov stated: "If Ukraine falls, it will trigger a massive domino effect," adding, "That’s why, from our security perspective, the Indo-Pacific and Europe are inseparable."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office have not yet responded to requests for comment. Asahi has not publicly expressed support for exporting weapons to Ukraine. However, according to a transcript of a phone call, Asahi told Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in November last year that "Japan stands with Ukraine" and supports Ukraine’s efforts toward achieving a "just and lasting peace" as soon as possible.

Like other countries interested in purchasing Japanese arms, Kyiv must sign defense and technology transfer agreements with Tokyo. Japan has already signed such agreements with 18 countries, including Germany, Australia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Lutovinov noted that due to the sensitivity surrounding defense exports in Japan, Ukraine is proceeding cautiously. He pointed out that a more direct approach would be for Tokyo to help fund Kyiv’s development of an air defense system, thereby reducing dependence on U.S.-made Patriot missile systems, whose supply is increasingly scarce. Lutovinov added, "We have all the necessary industrial capabilities. But we need investment. We need funding."

He mentioned that consultations are currently underway regarding Japan’s participation in NATO’s Priority Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a program aimed at helping Ukraine procure U.S.-made equipment. The initiative has already delivered over $4 billion worth of equipment and munitions. Australia and New Zealand became the first non-NATO countries to join the program last year.

"Every country can participate in this mechanism within the framework of its own legal system. It can also involve non-lethal weapons," said the ambassador. He added that Japanese companies could help Ukraine diversify sources of electronic components and micro-components, which are essential for the drones deployed by Ukrainian forces on the front lines.

According to a 2025 report from Ukraine’s think tank, Snake Island Institute, Asian components have historically been the primary parts used in Ukrainian drones. In the embassy reception room, behind Lutovinov, stood a "Vampire" bomb drone produced by Skyfall, Ukraine’s leading low-cost drone manufacturer. The company claims its current production capacity is sufficient to meet export demand for such drones.

The Asahi administration plans to unveil a new defense strategy and military procurement plan this year, expected to significantly increase the number of aerial, maritime, and land-based drones available to Kyiv for defending against Russian attacks.

Lutovinov emphasized: "We are not a country that only takes. We also give. If we combine Japanese technology with Ukrainian experience, we can create world-class products."

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863988890482695/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author