Ukraine needs air defense systems of various calibers available in Japan – Zhovkva
Ukraine requires air defense systems of different calibers, which are currently available in Japan.
Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said this in an interview with TSN, Ukrinform reports.
"We are closely following the process of legislative changes in Japan. There are mechanisms for obtaining from Japan what they have and what we need. We have already gone through a stage where we received everything that was available, even if sometimes it was not needed. Today, we need air defense systems of various calibers. They exist in Japan, we know this, and we can and will discuss it," Zhovkva said.
He noted that Ukraine can also discuss technology exchanges with Japan and formalize such cooperation in intergovernmental documents.
"In this case, Ukraine can provide its own products, which are of interest to Japan as well. For example, Ukraine is a leader in the production of naval drones, which Japan also needs," he added.
Zhovkva expressed Ukraine's gratitude to Japan for the level of support it has already provided.
"Yes, it is non-lethal assistance. But $15 billion during the war is significant and important. We are really pleased with the election results and Ms. [Sanae] Takaichi's decisive victory. She received a constitutional majority, which will facilitate further government management," Zhovkva said.
He also said that Ukraine has requested Japan to allocate a certain amount of funds for non-lethal weapons under the PURL program.
"We know that such items exist [within PURL], and Ukraine needs this assistance. So let's hear the official position of the Japanese side. We hope they respond positively to this request," he said.
Zhovkva added that new military aid packages and contributions from NATO member states – and beyond – are expected, not only under PURL.
"During a visit to Kyiv, the NATO Secretary General said that Ukraine receives 75% of Patriot missiles thanks to Alliance coordination, which was promised when the NSATU mechanism was established. NATO's role is, in a good sense, to pressure member states to provide military assistance regularly and according to what is needed," Zhovkva said.
He stressed that Ukraine primarily needs Patriot missiles (used to intercept ballistic threats), as well as missiles for other systems – NASAMS and IRIS-T.
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine