Ukraine’s Ambassador to Japan, Yurii Lutovinov, has said that Japan’s recent decision to relax its weapons export rules could create space for future discussions on military support.

Speaking to Reuters at the Ukrainian embassy, he said, “This allows us to talk. Theoretically, it’s a very big step forward.”

This change follows a move by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who eased restrictions on defence exports. The decision marks a shift away from Japan’s long-standing post-World War II pacifist policy.

Policy Change Comes Amid Global Conflicts

The timing of this decision is significant. Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia have put pressure on Western defence production.

Although Japan’s updated policy still restricts exports to active war zones, it allows certain exceptions linked to national security. Ukraine hopes these exceptions may eventually support its defence requirements.

Japan Sees Parallels with Its Own Security

Japan has increasingly compared Ukraine’s situation with its own security concerns, especially due to China’s rising military strength.

With Japanese territory located close to Taiwan, Tokyo fears it could be drawn into a regional conflict if tensions escalate.

Earlier, former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had warned, “Ukraine today could be East Asia tomorrow.” He later approved Japan’s largest military expansion since World War II.

Prime Minister Takaichi has continued and accelerated this defence build-up after taking office.

Ukraine Warns of Wider Impact

Ambassador Lutovinov stressed the broader implications of the conflict.

“If Ukraine falls, it’s going to be a big domino effect,” he said. “That’s why the Indo-Pacific and the European continent are inseparable from the point of view of our security.”

Japan Maintains Cautious Stand

Despite the policy shift, Japan has not committed to supplying weapons to Ukraine. Prime Minister Takaichi had earlier told Volodymyr Zelenskyy that “Japan stands with Ukraine” and supports efforts toward “achieving a just and lasting peace.”

However, Japan’s Foreign Ministry clarified that “Japan does not currently intend to transfer arms”.

For any defence cooperation to move forward, Ukraine would need to sign a technology transfer agreement with Japan. Tokyo already has such agreements with countries like Germany, Australia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Focus on Investment in Defence Systems

For now, Ukraine is taking a cautious approach due to the sensitivity of defence exports in Japan. Instead of immediate arms supplies, Lutovinov suggested that Japan could support Ukraine by investing in its missile defence systems.

“We have all necessary industrial capacities for production. But we need investment. We need funds,” he said. Such support could help Ukraine reduce its dependence on US-made Patriot missile systems, which are currently in limited supply.

Japan May Join NATO Funding Efforts

Lutovinov also revealed that discussions are ongoing about Japan possibly joining NATO’s funding mechanism for Ukraine. This programme, known as the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), finances the purchase of US-made military equipment.

Countries like Australia and New Zealand have already joined this initiative, contributing to over $4 billion in military aid. “Every country can participate in this mechanism respecting its own legal framework. It can be non-lethal weapons as well,” Lutovinov said.

Potential for Industrial Cooperation

The ambassador also highlighted opportunities for cooperation between Japanese companies and Ukraine’s defence industry. Japan could help Ukraine diversify the supply of electronics and micro-components needed for drone production. Currently, many of these components come from China.

Ukraine has significantly expanded its drone production. For example, companies like Skyfall have developed advanced drones and are now capable of exporting them.

Future Collaboration Possibilities

Japan is expected to unveil a new defence strategy this year, which will likely focus on increasing the use of drones across its military. Lutovinov emphasised that Ukraine wants a balanced partnership.

“We are not the country that would like to just ask. We are the country that is going to provide as well,” he said. “The technology of Japan and experience of Ukraine, if we can put them together, it would be a high-class product.”