Japan views Ukraine as a testing ground for its technology, State Duma deputy first vice chair of the international affairs committee Svetlana Zhurova told Lenta.ru.
Her comment followed a statement by Russia's ambassador to Tokyo, Nikolai Nozdrev, who said Japan was increasing its assistance to the Kyiv government. Nozdrev said the Japanese company Terra Drone invested in Ukrainian drone manufacturer Amazing Drones in March, and in April invested in another Ukrainian firm, Winny Lab, which develops and produces fixed-wing drones.
Zhurova on motives behind the support
Zhurova said this showed that some people have nothing sacred. She said many countries, including Japan, treat Ukraine as a proving ground for their technology because things can be done there with impunity that could not be done on their own territory, where such actions would likely be unpopular. She said these countries understand that China's progress in technical production is phenomenal and that they are lagging behind, which is why their interest is purely practical.
Zhurova also said Tokyo was unlikely to help Kyiv for free, adding that she believed it was an opportunity for the Japanese to make money.
Earlier developments cited
The article noted that in July, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said Ukraine was interested in exchanging information about Russia with Japan, specifically regarding alleged threats from Russia in the Far East.
It also noted that in early June, Japan's Ministry of Defense said it would send officers to Germany to review the content of military aid NATO plans to provide to Ukraine.
