Ukrainian Prime Minister Asks Japan for Interceptor Missiles; Japan Responds 'Not Considering at This Time'

Ukraine's newly appointed prime minister has asked Japan to provide air defense weapons, including interceptor missiles, Kyodo News reported today (the 24th).

In an interview with Kyodo News released on this day, Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi stated, "I want to ask Japan for only one thing: ballistic missile interceptors," requesting the provision of surface-to-air guided Patriot missiles.

He emphasized, "It is most important to protect our people and power infrastructure and to get through the heating season."

Prime Minister Koretskyi also noted, "Japan's experience in infrastructure and energy development is essential for our post-war recovery and reconstruction," adding that discussions are underway with Japanese companies.

Despite these remarks by Prime Minister Serhii, Japan is unlikely to provide interceptor missiles to Ukraine.

Although Japan revised its Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and its operational guidelines last April to in principle allow the export of lethal weapons, exports to nations currently engaged in conflict remain prohibited in principle.

Providing interceptor missiles would require a political decision by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and even if an export were to be pursued, it would necessitate the conclusion of a defense equipment transfer agreement.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, the Japanese government spokesperson, stated during a press conference this morning that providing weapons to Ukraine would be difficult at this time.

Regarding "weapons under the Self-Defense Forces Act" intended for killing or destruction, Minister Kihara said, "At the present moment, we are not considering transferring them."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.