Russia: Military cooperation with Japan weakens Ukraine peace efforts

Moscow (ANTARA) - Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated on Wednesday (25/3) that military cooperation between Japan and Ukraine could weaken efforts to resolve the conflict and achieve peace in Ukraine. Zakharova conveyed that Moscow views all of Tokyo’s attempts to organise the supply of lethal weapons and military equipment to Kiev as hostile actions against Russia. “Such measures will not go unnoticed and will provoke a harsh retaliatory response,” Zakharova said. Meanwhile, commenting on various reports about the possibility of Japan purchasing drones from Ukraine, Zakharova stated that such reports “once again confirm the fact that Tokyo is indeed becoming increasingly involved in military cooperation with the Kiev regime, which is openly requesting armaments for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in exchange for drones.” “It is clear that all this is increasingly hindering the prospects of achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine,” Zakharova said. On 14 March, Japan’s Kyodo News reported that Japan is considering providing lethal weapons to Ukraine in exchange for Ukrainian drones. Six days later, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Japan Yuriy Lutovinov stated that Ukraine is ready to share its experience with Japan on modern warfare and drone production technology.