Japan foreign minister promises aid for Ukrainian anti-drone system

Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa made a previously unannounced visit to Ukraine on Sunday, saying Tokyo would provide the war-torn country with a drone detection system via aid, amid concerns of dwindling support in some countries for Kyiv’s nearly two-year attempt to fend off an invasion by Russia.

Kamikawa — on her visit to the country as Japan’s top diplomat — held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv, pledging during a news conference held in a bomb shelter to dole out a $37 million contribution to a NATO fund that will provide the anti-drone system and other gear.

In the closing days of last year and first week of 2024, Russia has sent hundreds of missiles and kamikaze drones for attacks against Ukraine, with observers calling the strikes some of the largest since the war began.