Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Ukrainian government requested from Japan free military attack equipment such as anti-tank guns, but Japan declined the request that came through the embassy in Tokyo last month, Sankei newspaper said, quoting government officials.

The paper said that the Japanese government withheld the request “because there is no legal basis for providing weapons or ammunition free of charge.”

Ukrainian Defense Minister Reznikov submitted in writing a list of weaponry supplies for Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi through the embassy route at the end of February after Russia began its invasion of its country, government officials said revealing only some of the items such as included anti-tank guns and surface-to-air missiles, and rifle ammunition.

Japan has three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment that are not subject to prohibition, such as anti-bullets, helmets and vests, tents and more.

Article 116-3 of the Self-Defense Forces Act, which is the basis for providing equipment free of charge, includes aircraft and ships but excludes weapons and ammunition.