【詳報】ゼレンスキー大統領 共同通信と単独会見 日本との防衛協力期待 武器輸出ルール緩和歓迎

Описание: ウクライナのゼレンスキー大統領は19日、首都キーウで共同通信と単独会見し、高市早苗首相が検討する殺傷能力のある武器を含む防衛装備品の輸出ルール緩和を歓迎した。高市氏と早期に会談し、新たな防衛協力の枠組みを構築したいとの意向を明らかにした。米国企業のライセンスに基づき日本で生産する地対空誘導弾パトリオットなどの防空兵器の取得に期待を示した。ウクライナから日本への無人水上艇供与にも意欲を表明した。
取材・飯沼賢一（キーウ支局）、黒崎正也（ジュネーブ支局）、森脇江介（ナイロビ支局）

KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday expressed hope for cooperation with Japan on defense issues and an early meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, welcoming her push to loosen the country's rules on lethal arms exports.

Noting that air defense is "crucial" for his country in repelling Russia's full-scale invasion launched in February 2022, Zelenskyy said in an exclusive interview with Kyodo News in Kyiv that it would be "very helpful" if Takaichi decides to open a "corridor for the dialogue" in this area.

On a possible meeting with Takaichi, who took office in October and consolidated her power with the landslide victory of her party in a general election on Feb. 8, the president said, "Madame prime minister -- she's very welcome...We can think about it as quick as possible."

Zelenskyy said he is ready to meet "in any format," such as on the sidelines of major multilateral gatherings or by visiting Japan.

He highlighted the importance of cooperation with countries that hold licenses to produce air defense systems, citing Japan as "one of these countries."

Japan, as a close U.S. ally, produces Patriot surface-to-air missile interceptors under a U.S. license. Their shipment to the United States, completed by November, became the first case that Japan exported lethal weapons under rules eased in 2023, to help Washington replenish its own stockpile as it provides military support to Ukraine.

Japan has allowed the export of weapons under certain conditions since its arms embargo policy, long seen as symbolic of the country's pacifist stance under its war-renouncing Constitution, was scrapped in 2014.

Ukraine, as a country under military invasion, has been supplied with some defense equipment such as bulletproof vests and Japanese Self-Defense Forces trucks, but not weapons with lethal capabilities.

The government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, both led by Takaichi, are considering further lifting some remaining constraints on defense equipment transfers amid a tense security environment, which could create room for allowing arms to be shipped even to a country party to a conflict.

Zelenskyy emphasized that air defense systems are "not for offensive" purposes but to counter Russia's missile and drone attacks.

Ukraine, for its part, can share sea drone technology with Japan, he said, adding that his country has proved that such capability "works," with Russian vessels unable to operate near its shores.

During the 50-minute interview in English, Zelenskyy rejected any withdrawal of troops from the eastern Donbas region to secure a peace deal, as negotiations continue with Russia.

"We can't withdraw from our territory. It's our real defending line," he said.

Russia is seeking full control of the Donbas region and has demanded that Ukrainian forces withdraw.

The president also indicated North Korea had gained military know-how through its role in Russia's war against Ukraine, posing a potential risk to Japan's security.

"This is extremely dangerous that they now get the knowledge of modern hybrid war...They know how to defend (against) drones," Zelenskyy said, touching on some 10,000 North Korean soldiers who had been deployed to Russia.

North Korean troops engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces that launched a cross-border incursion into Russia's western Kursk region and temporarily seized parts of the area.

Zelenskyy, 48, a former actor and TV host, has served as president of the Eastern European country since May 2019. He visited Japan to join a summit meeting of the Group of Seven industrialized nations in 2023.

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