Zelenskyy Calls for Ukraine-Japan Defense Technology Ties

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for expanded defense technology cooperation with Japan through government and private-sector partnerships following an interview with NHK.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said more than 70% of Ukraine’s defense industry is privately operated. He said the two countries could increase trade by focusing on their defense industries.

Differences between the countries’ legal systems could affect such cooperation, Zelenskyy acknowledged. He identified maritime monitoring, intelligence, demining drones, air defense, cybersecurity and food security as possible areas of collaboration.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine had sought a drone agreement with Japan. Ukraine could provide defensive equipment if Japan chose to pursue the proposal, he added, while thanking the country for its support.

Regarding regional security issues, President Zelenskyy said that North Korea has sent soldiers numbering between 30, 000 and 50, 000 to Russia. He said the soldiers gained experience on the frontlines while training in drones and operators of the drones.

According to Zelenskyy, North Korean forces suffered significant losses while fighting Ukrainian troops during the Kursk operation. He said North Korea later decided against sending its forces into Ukrainian territory to avoid further losses.

Zelenskyy also said he had personally seen a North Korean-made missile in Ukraine but had not seen a Chinese missile.

According to Zelenskyy, machinery used by Russia comes from China, while Chinese technology and specialists were also likely reaching the country. The supplied material did not independently establish those assertions.

Concerning the political role of China in ending the conflict, Zelenskyy has admitted that he has not seen any pressure on Russia from Beijing to stop the war. He has also said that such negotiations could have been held behind his back.

“For such a big country, a little bit is a lot,” Zelenskyy said.