Russia's recently appointed ambassador to Japan has issued a warning to Tokyo about potential repercussions and retaliatory measures if Patriot missile systems produced under U.S. license in Japan are sent to Ukraine, as reported by the RIA news agency on Friday.
According to RIA, the new ambassador, Nikolai Nozdrev, stated that Moscow will be closely monitoring the destination of Japanese arms exports following Tokyo's relaxation of export regulations at the end of last year.
Specifically, he mentioned that Russia will be vigilant to see if any Patriot missile systems and missiles, manufactured in Japan under U.S. license, are exported to the United States and then to Ukraine.
"We will be closely monitoring to ensure that the Patriots supplied do not reach Ukraine, as any such occurrence will lead to severe consequences for the Russia-Japan relationship, including our responsive actions," RIA quoted him as saying.
Nozdrev made it crystal clear: Russia would strongly oppose the placement of these systems in the Ukrainian conflict, seeing any movement of the missile systems to Ukraine as a serious risk to its national security. As per a statement covered by RIA Novosti, Nozdrev stressed, “Therefore, we will be closely monitoring to ensure that the Patriots sent do not find their way to Ukraine, as if they do, there will be significant repercussions for the Russia-Japan relationship, including our responsive actions.”
The MIM-104 Patriot, also known as the Patriot missile, is a crucial component of the air and missile defense capabilities of the United States and its allies. Manufactured by Raytheon, a leading U.S. defense contractor, this advanced system can counter a wide range of threats such as ballistic and cruise missiles, aircraft, and even loitering munitions. Given the ongoing Russian assault, Ukraine highly values the Patriot missile system as it provides them with much-needed protection.
Russia's warnings have not deterred Japan from showing support for Ukraine through military assistance, highlighting a strong commitment to its alliance with the United States. The upcoming meeting between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington will focus on discussing additional military aid for Ukraine and its impact on the broader Indo-Pacific region.
During his speech to global allies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the critical necessity for additional air defense systems in response to the heavy Russian airstrikes. "Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia must be safeguarded by Patriot systems; we need air defense to ensure the safety of our citizens, infrastructure, residences, and reservoirs. Our allies are well aware of the requirements. Their assistance can make a difference. These are crucial choices. We must shield lives from the aggressors in Moscow," Zelensky urged.
We will closely monitor to ensure that the Patriots delivered do not reach Ukraine. If they do, it will have serious repercussions on Russia-Japan relations, leading to necessary retaliatory actions, as stated by RIA.
2 Comments
Ukraine has to protect its people and its land, Russia should not be concerned about the source of support
ReplyDeleteIf Russia had not invaded a sovereign neighbouring state (committing war crimes every day) it would not be in the position of having to threaten anyone, thereby increasing its isolation and reputation as a rogue state.
ReplyDelete