Merz asks Takaichi to support Ukraine's air defense - NHKニュース

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says that he has asked Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to consider offering support to help strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities, amid Russia's ongoing invasion.

Merz made the remark on Wednesday during a news conference for German media outlets, following his summit talks with Takaichi.

After noting that the situation in Ukraine was among the topics, Merz said he asked Takaichi to reconsider whether Japan, alongside Germany, could provide assistance to further enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

He also said that the two leaders discussed financial support for Kyiv. He said Japan has a very clear political commitment to continuing to support Ukraine in this war. The chancellor added that, as Japan lies to the east of Russia, the country is keenly aware of what it means when a war intensifies on Russia's western border.