The Daily Populous Saturday February 21st, 2026 evening edition
Authored by united24media.com and submitted by StealthCuttlefish

Ukraine is ready to deepen defense cooperation with Japan, including sharing advanced sea drone and interceptor UAV technologies developed during the war against Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with Kyodo News on February 20.

Zelenskyy described potential defense collaboration between Kyiv and Tokyo as a move that could mark a historic turning point in bilateral relations.

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“We have good coordination with the Japanese government on energy and humanitarian tracks, as well as at the level of the Embassy here in Ukraine. Japan always supports the relationship between us. But if we want to open a new chapter – defense cooperation between our countries – I think it can be historic,” Zelenskyy said.

“I think we could do it at the level of ministers, government, at the level of Madam Prime Minister and me, or at the level of defense institutions.”

We have good coordination with the Japanese government on energy and humanitarian tracks, as well as at the level of the Embassy here in Ukraine. Japan always supports the relationship between us. But if we want to open a new chapter – defense cooperation between our countries –… pic.twitter.com/DakhBR8po3 — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 20, 2026

The Ukrainian president pointed out that Japan is among the countries with licenses or domestic production capabilities for air defense missiles and systems capable of countering ballistic threats.

“Japan is one of the countries that have licenses or their own production of air defense missiles and systems, which can counter ballistic threats. And of course, we want to cooperate, have some coproduction or share knowledge,” he said.

Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s willingness to share battlefield-tested technologies.

“We are ready to open up our technologies. For example, sea drones to defend the coasts. Not having our own fleet, we have managed to destroy part of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea with our sea drones. They never come to our shores because of our sea drone capabilities.”

The president added that Ukraine’s wartime experience extends beyond naval drones.

“There are other things that could be useful for Japan: cyber security, interceptor drones, managing energy and critical infrastructure in times of crises, extensive knowledge of modern warfare, etc. We can share what we have learned from this war.”

Zelenskyy also expressed openness to direct high-level talks with Japan’s leadership.

“And Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is very welcome to Ukraine. I think it would be very important for our two countries. I am ready to meet in any format, on any platform or during any big meetings or summits. But I think it would be more useful to meet directly and focus on our bilateral relations. She is very welcome. And I’m also ready to come to Japan. I had the opportunity to visit your country, and I was very proud to do so.”

Earlier, the Ukrainian UADEFENSE company unveiled a new multifunctional unmanned surface vessel, the M.A.K., designed for both river and maritime operations. The M.A.K. platform is built for low visibility, with only about 30 centimeters of its silhouette rising above the water, and a fiberglass hull to reduce detection.

Powered by a Chinese-made electric engine, the M.A.K. can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h. In a suicide drone role, it can carry a 60-kilogram warhead with an autonomous range of 30–50 kilometers, Militarnyi wrote.

runsongas on February 21st, 2026 at 06:37 UTC »

that just sounds like a great way to get China to stop selling them drone parts and to sell to Russia instead

StealthCuttlefish on February 21st, 2026 at 03:29 UTC »

Submission statement: During an interview with Kyodo News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he wanted to further expand defense cooperation with Japan. Zelenskyy specifically pointed out that Japan produces license or domestic air defense missiles and systems that can intercept ballistic missile threats and expressed interest in cooperating with Japan in this field; either through coproduction or exchange of knowledge. Seemingly in exchange for the Japanese air defense systems, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is willing to share battlefield-tested technologies and wartime experience with Japan, such as sea drones, interceptor drones, cyber security, etc.