Zelenskyy asks Japan for air-defense technology and offers Ukraine’s drones in return, while courting Chile to expand Ukraine’s reach in Latin America
Once dependent on donated weapons, Ukraine now trades its battle-tested drone expertise for the protection and partners it still can't supply itself.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reached out to Japan and Chile during the UN General Assembly in New York to explore potential partnerships. He proposed air-defense technology from Japan and drone cooperation with Chile. Zelenskyy met with Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Chile's President José Antonio Kast, as well as the UK's Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The discussions centered around protecting civil infrastructure during the winter and exchanging Ukraine's battlefield-tested technology for capabilities it still requires. Ukraine's drone expertise has become increasingly valuable in its diplomatic efforts, as it has been producing drones faster than many Western allies. Japan is the only country capable of assembling advanced air-defense systems like the PAC-3 interceptor, and Ukraine sees this as crucial for surviving Russia's ongoing attacks.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's combat-tested drones could pique Japan's interest in bolstering its air-defense capabilities. Both countries are grateful for each other's support and are eager to strengthen their relationship.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
