Russia Irked by Japan Firm’s Investment in Ukrainian Company

Tokyo, April 8 (Jiji Press)–Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko on Wednesday lodged a protest with Japan over a Japanese firm’s investment in a Ukrainian defense-related company that handles interceptor drones. The protest came during a meeting between Rudenko, who is in charge of Asian affairs, and Japanese Ambassador to Russia Akira Muto at the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow. Muto made a rebuttal against the Russian protest. At a press conference the same day, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the ambassador was “summoned” to the ministry. Meanwhile, the Japanese Embassy in Moscow said that the two sides exchanged views mainly on Japan-Russia relations, including political dialogue as well as cultural and personnel interchanges, pointing out that the dialogue was held at the initiative of the Japanese side. On March 31, Tokyo-based Terra Drone Corp. said that it has invested in Ukraine’s Amazing Drones LLC, which develops and makes interceptor drones. Interceptor drones are drawing attention as they are relatively inexpensive and can track and destroy attack drones. Zakharova claimed that Amazing Drones develops not only interceptor drones but also combat drones. The Russian ministry said Ukraine’s attacks against Russia using unmanned aerial vehicles are “systematic criminal provocations.” It also said the Russian side at the bilateral meeting expressed its regret over Japan’s unfriendly policy toward Russia and emphasized that relations between the two nations have reached “an all-time low.” “It was noted (at the meeting) that if the Japanese side is genuinely interested in resuming interstate dialogue (with Russia), it must demonstrate this aspiration not in words but through concrete actions and practical steps,” the ministry added. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]