At a ceremony at the Japanese Ministry of Defense where two military trucks were displayed, Japanese Deputy Defense Minister Toshiro Ino handed a document to Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Korsunsky listing the three types of vehicles being donated. “We hope the war will end as soon as possible and that peaceful daily life will return. We will provide as much support as possible,” Ino said.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky is presented with a document pledging aid by Japanese Vice Defense Minister Toshiro Ino on May 24, 2023, in Tokyo. A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force truck, seen in the background, is part of the military equipment delivered. Photo: AP
The donation, which includes 30,000 food rations, comes as the Japanese government seeks to loosen its policy on transferring military equipment under a new national security policy that allows the military to play a greater offensive role, a major break from the post-World War II policy that the country pursued with a defense-only principle.
While other Ukrainian allies have provided Kiev with tanks, missiles and even fighter jets, Japan has limited its aid to non-lethal equipment because of its policy banning the transfer of lethal weapons to countries at war.
Japan has provided Ukraine with bulletproof vests, helmets, gas masks, protective clothing, small drones and food rations since the conflict began last year.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged military vehicles to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky when they met in Hiroshima on Sunday on the sidelines of the G7 summit. Japan has also offered to treat wounded Ukrainian soldiers at a Japanese military hospital.
The Japanese government said the vehicles include small trucks, high-mobility vehicles and material handling vehicles. The Japan Procurement, Technology and Logistics Agency said details, including exact numbers and delivery times, are being finalized.
Japan has provided more than $7 billion in aid to Ukraine since the start of the conflict. It has also taken in more than 2,000 Ukrainian refugees and helped them find housing, employment and education, a rare move in a country known for its strict immigration policies.
Hoang Anh (according to AP, CNA)
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