Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced the aid of 100 military vehicles to Ukraine, but did not disclose the specific amount of each type and delivery time.
Japanese Deputy Defense Minister Toshiro Ino on May 25 handed a document to Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Korsunsky, listing three types of military vehicles that Tokyo helps Kiev: pickup trucks with a tonnage of half a ton, high-speed vehicles and material handling facilities. In addition, the relief package also includes 30,000 meals.
“We hope that the fighting ends soon and life returns to peace. We will give all possible support,” said Ino. The Ministry of Defense Purchasing, Technology and Logistics Agency is finalizing details on the delivery time and the specific number of vehicles.
Japanese Deputy Defense Minister Toshiro Ino (right) hands documents to Ukraine’s ambassador Sergiy Korsunsky during a ceremony in Tokyo on May 24. Photo: AP
Japanese officials announced the aid package as the Japanese government seeks to relax regulations on the transfer of military equipment under a new national security policy, allowing self-defense forces “to possess counterattack capabilities”. “to attack the territory of another country in emergency situations and special conditions.
While many countries have donated main tanks, missiles and fighter jets to Ukraine, Japan only supplies non-lethal equipment and equipment due to its policy of prohibiting the transfer of weapons to participating countries.
Japan has donated bulletproof vests, helmets, gas masks, protective clothing, small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and meals since the outbreak of hostilities in February 2022. Japan has also offered to treat Ukrainian soldiers wounded in the country’s military hospital.
The total amount of aid that Japan has transferred to Ukraine is $7 billion. Japan also agreed to take in 2,000 Ukrainian refugees, providing them with housing, jobs and education. The measure is considered rare in Japan, a country known for its strict immigration policy.
Nguyen Tien (according to the AP)
