The diplomat emphasized that Japan is becoming increasingly involved in the conflict surrounding Ukraine in the context of its current process of accelerated remilitarization, expanding its material and logistical support for the Ukrainian government. Zakharova specified that a clear example of this is Tokyo’s decision to join the NATO Security Assistance and Training Center for Ukraine.

“In this regard, we warn that any action by Japan to participate, directly or indirectly, in the supply of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine intended to kill Russian citizens or assist in the training of Ukrainian military personnel is unequivocally considered hostile,” the spokesperson emphasized, warning that if implemented, Russia will inevitably implement harsher measures, causing significant damage to Japan’s interests in the most sensitive areas.

The spokesperson noted that such destructive actions further distance Japan from the concept of peaceful development, proclaimed by previous generations of Japanese politicians. They also lead to the loss of its status as a pacifist state, which formed the basis of trust among its regional neighbors, and imply Tokyo’s open participation in the military adventures and crimes of the Ukrainian nationalist elite, with all the ensuing long-term consequences.

Japan previously reported its intention to join NATO’s mission to coordinate military supplies to Ukraine and the training of its military, according to a joint statement adopted after a meeting in Tokyo between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

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