Ukraine's ambassador to Japan believes newly relaxed Japanese weapon export rules could open discussions for Tokyo to supply military equipment to Ukraine. This move by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marks a significant shift from Japan's post-war pacifist stance. It could theoretically be a major step forward for Ukraine's defense efforts.

Japan’s relaxation of its weapons-export rules opens a path for talks that could one day lead to Tokyo supplying military equipment to help Ukraine resist Russia’s invasion, Kyiv’s ambassador to Japan said. “This allows us to talk,” Yurii Lutovinov said in an interview at Ukraine’s embassy. “Theoretically, it’s a very big step forward.” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s move last week to ease export rules – Japan’s latest shift away from a strict post-war pacifist stance – has sparked broad...