Ukraine's Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi on August 21 expressed hope that Japan would soon provide Kyiv with air defense systems, including interceptor missiles, amid Russia's escalating ballistic missile strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Speaking during his visit to Japan, Koretskyi underscored Ukraine's urgent need to bolster its defense capabilities against relentless Russian aerial assaults. He said that Japan's sharing of technology and provision of air defense weapons would play a crucial role in protecting civilians and critical infrastructure.
This marks the first time a senior Ukrainian official has publicly called on Japan to provide specific support in the form of interceptor missiles, as Russia's ballistic missile attacks become increasingly frequent and harder to counter. Previously, Japan has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to maintaining sanctions against Russia and providing humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine.
Koretskyi's visit comes as the international community closely monitors new developments on the battlefield, with the conflict now entering its fifth year. Analysts suggest this move reflects a shift in Kyiv's diplomatic approach, as Ukraine seeks to diversify its weapons supply from Asian partners beyond the primary support from the West.
