Russia summons Japanese ambassador after investment in drones

Key information

• Russia has condemned a Japanese investment in drones as damaging to its security interests.
• This agreement further strained relations between Japan and Russia, already strained due to sanctions imposed by Japan on Russia.
• Japan’s support for Ukraine includes financial aid, humanitarian aid and participation in NATO-led munitions supply initiatives.

The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Japanese ambassador to Moscow on Wednesday to express its strong disapproval regarding the investment of a Japanese company in a Ukrainian drone manufacturer. The ministry condemned the deal as damaging to Russia’s security interests due to ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks on its territory.

Japanese investment sparks controversy

Terra Drone Corporation, a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, recently announced plans to make a “strategic investment” in Amazing Drones, a Kharkiv-based company specializing in interceptor drones. This collaboration aims to launch a range of Terra A1 interceptor drones, designed specifically to counter single-use attack drones frequently used by Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.

Strained bilateral relations

Sergei Lavrov, the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, described this agreement as “too hostile”, accusing Japan of being responsible for the tense bilateral relations between the two countries. Japan joined Western countries in imposing sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

To further strengthen its support, Japan signed a ten-year security agreement with Ukraine in 2024, pledging to provide non-lethal aid, humanitarian assistance and reconstruction support. Japan is also reportedly planning to participate in a NATO-led initiative to supply Ukraine with U.S.-made munitions and equipment, which could include radar systems and body armor. (fc)

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