Russia vows strong response to Japan's support for NATO's Ukraine security efforts

Russia will take inevitable and severe retaliatory measures against any actions by Japan related to participation in supplying weapons to Kyiv.

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made the remarks commenting on Tokyo's decision to join the NATO Center for Cooperation and Security Assistance for Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

"In this regard, we would like to warn that any actions by Japan directly or indirectly participating in the supply of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine, which will be used to kill Russian citizens or assist in training Ukrainian militants, are regarded by us as unequivocally hostile," the diplomat emphasized.

"If these actions are implemented, our harsh measures will inevitably follow, which will cause significant damage to Japan's interests in the most sensitive areas."

Let’s recall that ​Japan has recently expressed interest in joining NATO's Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mission, headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany. This initiative aims to enhance Japan's security cooperation with NATO, emphasizing the interconnectedness of security risks in Europe and Asia. While participation details are still under discussion, Japan's involvement is expected to exclude combat roles, aligning with its pacifist constitution.

By Khagan Isayev