KYIV - Ukraine wants to cooperate with Japan on developing drone interception technology and other areas as Russia's attacks continue, a former Japanese defense minister said Thursday after talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials.
Itsunori Onodera, a ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker, told reporters during his visit to Kyiv that the Ukrainian side had explained the situation regarding Russia's increased use of jet-powered drones and the difficulty Ukraine faces in countering ballistic missiles.
Onodera said the information he received during talks with Zelenskyy and other officials on defense cooperation was "extremely meaningful" as Japan plans to update key security documents toward year-end.
"I want to consult with the government and share the information within our party," Onodera said.
Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan is seeking to beef up its defense capabilities, with an eye to greater use of drones and artificial intelligence.
Zelenskyy said in a post on X that it is important that representatives of partner countries like Japan visit "to see and feel what is happening" in his country.
He said Ukraine values the economic and humanitarian support and the level of relations with Japan.
Onodera visited the Ukrainian capital at the invitation of the chairman of Ukraine's parliament Ruslan Stefanchuk, holding talks with the defense and foreign ministers.
