Russia-Ukraine war: Japan to supply non-lethal, anti-chemical warfare equipment to Kyiv

In wake of growing concerns about use of chemical weapons by Russian forces, Japan has decided to supply gas masks, hazmat suits, and drones to Ukraine to assist war-torn country in defending its sovereignty. 

According to Defence Minister buo Kishi, Tokyo is delivering anti-chemical-warfare equipment to Ukraine at behest of Ukrainian government. Last month, Japan also delivered bulletproof vests, helmets, and or n-lethal military equipment to Ukraine as an exception to Tokyo's ban on arms transfers to combat zones. Meanwhile, shipment has sparked debate in Japan, whose pacifist Constitution prohibits use of force and reunces war. 

"Banding toger with international community and firmly taking action against Russia’s invasion, which violates international law, is extremely important from viewpoint of our own national security as well," Japanese Defence Minister Kishi stated, as per Associated Press (AP). 

He also stated that government has modified its operational policy for arms transfers to allow for provision of nlethal equipment to Ukraine, which includes gas masks and protective gear. Japan is also sending commercially available drones that aren't classified as military hardware, Defence Minister ded. 

Japan concerned about impact of Russia-Ukraine war in East Asia

It should be mentioned here that Japan acted swiftly to join United States and European Union in imposing sanctions on Russia and expressing support for Ukraine and its people. As per AP, Japan is also concerned about implications of ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict in East Asia, where China is asserting its own territorial claims. 

Earlier this month, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida anunced fresh sanctions against Russia by proposing a ban on Russian coal. He ded that Russian coal imports will be outlawed in country, and government will find alternatives. 

Several Japanese automakers suspend ir operations in Moscow

Meanwhile, last week, Russia claimed that a number of Japanese automakers have anunced suspension of ir operations in Moscow owing to pressure from PM Kishida-led ministration. Russian Ambassor to Japan Mikhail Galuzin stated that a number of Japanese automakers with manufacturing facilities in Russia have declared suspension of ir operations, citing production and logistical chain issues.

ambassor went on to say that Japanese government's decision, along with that of or members of Group of Seven (G7), to prohibit fresh investments in Russian ecomy is a very worrying indication for Japanese industry, TASS news ncy reported. 

(With inputs from AP)

Im: AP