GEOPOLITICS | Ukraine Seeks Defense Cooperation with Japan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his desire for a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to establish a new defense cooperation framework. According to Ming Pao, Zelensky welcomed Takaichi's consideration of relaxing export rules for defense equipment, including lethal weapons. He hopes to acquire air defense weapons such as the "Patriot" surface-to-air missiles, which are produced in Japan under U.S. company licenses. Additionally, Zelensky indicated an interest in offering Japan Ukrainian-made unmanned surface vessels.