Ukrainian PM Koretskyi hopes for interceptor missiles, support from Japan

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is facing increasing threats from ballistic missile attacks launched by Russia, four years and six months after the country's full-scale invasion, according to Japanese news agency Kyodo. Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi has expressed hope that Japan will provide anti-ballistic missiles, including interceptor missiles, to protect the nation's people and infrastructure during the upcoming winter heating season.

Koretskyi, who assumed office in July, believes that these defensive systems are crucial for safeguarding Ukraine during the challenging winter months.

Koretskyi's plea for interceptor missiles comes as the country's stock of these defensive systems declines and peace negotiations brokered by the United States have hit a dead end. The Japanese government, under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, recently revised its defense equipment export limits in April. This move aimed to strengthen Japan's defense industry and was made to ensure that countries exporting lethal weapons sign agreements to protect related classified information.

However, this restriction prohibits the export of interceptor missiles to countries engaged in conflicts. Even if an agreement for the transfer of defense equipment is signed, the provision of interceptor missiles would require the approval of Prime Minister Takaichi.

Koretskyi expressed optimism about the future of Ukraine and the potential for cooperation and partnership with Japan in the reconstruction and development of the country. He also hoped that Japan would support Ukraine's postwar recovery efforts and suggested that Takaichi may visit Ukraine in the future. As mentioned by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's stock of Patriot interceptor missiles, crucial for countering attacks by Russia, is expected to stand at 264 this year, down from 675 in 2023 and 364 in 2025.

The United States, the manufacturer of these interceptor systems, has struggled to supply more Patriots due to their depletion from the ongoing war against Iran. Japan, a close ally of the United States, produces Patriot surface-to-air missile interceptors under a U.S. license.