TOKYO: Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky on Tuesday expressed hope that Japan will provide his country with air defense equipment to deal with Russian missiles and drones.

At a press conference in Tokyo to mark two years since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Korsunsky said that such equipment is the “number one” aid Ukraine expects from Japan, followed by economic assistance and reconstruction assistance.

“Anti-missile and anti-drone equipment is not designed to kill humans” but “to protect humans,” Korsunsky said.

He noted that Japan providing Ukraine with such equipment would not go against Japan’s pacifist Constitution.

“We are not asking (Japan) to fight for us. We will do the job,” the ambassador said. “Help us in every way possible.”

He added that support for Ukraine will lead to greater security for Japan.

Regarding negotiations with Japan to conclude a bilateral security agreement, Korsunsky said there is “no timeline.” The envisioned agreement must be concluded under “the best possible terms,” he noted.

The Group of Seven countries last year announced that they would each conclude an agreement to ensure Ukraine’s long-term security. All G-7 members except Japan and the United States have already signed such bilateral agreements with Ukraine.

JIJI Press