Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is not considering withdrawing from the government-controlled part of Donetsk region. At the same time, talks with Russia are continuing.
He called the area Ukraine’s real defensive line, speaking in an interview with Japan’s Kyodo News.
Zelensky noted that Russia is demanding Ukraine pull the Armed Forces of Ukraine from all of Donbas.
Zelensky warned that Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine has intensified cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. As a result, he said, North Korea has obtained new military know-how, creating a potential threat to Japan.
He said about 10,000 North Korean military personnel have been deployed in Russia, where they are learning about modern hybrid warfare, including how to defend against drones.
He added they encountered Ukrainian troops during fighting for the western part of Russia’s Kursk region, when Ukrainian forces partially controlled that territory.
Ukraine needs air-defense systems that it could receive from Japan. Tokyo manufactures Patriot air-defense systems under a U.S. license; Japanese units were sent to the United States after Washington transferred systems to Ukraine.
Recently, Japan authorized the export of non-lethal weapons, ending its long-standing arms-embargo policy. Ukraine has received body armor and trucks from Japan.
Tokyo is also weighing the removal of additional restrictions, including on defense equipment.
In that context, Zelensky emphasized that air-defense systems are used to repel Russian missile and drone strikes, not to conduct attacks.
In return, Ukraine could share maritime drone technology with Japan. Zelensky said the technology has proven effective, preventing Russian vessels from operating off Ukraine’s coast.
Earlier, in an interview with Piers Morgan, Zelensky said Ukraine cannot cede Donbas because it is a matter of people, values and the country’s defense strategy.
According to The New York Times, Vladimir Putin believes he is winning. He is prepared to fight for Donbas even if the battles continue for another two years.
Zelensky also dismissed Russian media reports that Moscow has allegedly demanded other countries recognize temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. The president said such scenarios are unrealistic.
