Japan's aid to Ukraine harms ties with Russia: foreign ministry

By sending assistance to Kyiv, Japan is becoming increasingly embroiled in the conflict around Ukraine, thus damaging its relations with Russia, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Monday.

"Such decisions do not help achieve a swift resolution of the situation around Ukraine but only draw out hostilities," Zakharova said in a response to a media question. "We view this step, clearly taken with the support of official authorities, as openly hostile and detrimental to our country's security interests, including the protection of civilians."

Japanese drone manufacturer Terra Drone Corporation on March 31 announced a strategic partnership with Ukrainian combat unmanned aerial systems developer Amazing Drones, as part of a broader long-term strategy to enter the defense equipment market.

Japan's move is "inflicting further damage to its relations with Russia, which have already significantly worsened due to Tokyo's actions," Zakharova said. "As a reminder, weapons posing a threat to our country and our citizens, as well as the production facilities that manufacture them on Ukrainian territory, are considered legitimate military targets for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation."