Japan may join security guarantees for Ukraine

Ishiba made the statement after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted that Japan is among approximately 30 countries included in the Coalition of the Willing, working to provide security guarantees.

"We will play our role appropriately by considering what we can and should do within our legal framework and capabilities," Ishiba said.

He added that for now, he cannot specify what exactly Japan will do.

Japan’s Constitution allows the use of force only for self-defense, which restricts the country’s actions abroad. Japanese forces currently participate in peacekeeping and anti-piracy missions overseas.

Ishiba also joined an online meeting on the war in Ukraine organized by the UK, France, and Germany.

Security guarantees

European leaders have formed a Coalition of the Willing to provide security guarantees for Ukraine. Ahead of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States, the coalition announced its readiness to deploy deterrence forces on Ukrainian territory.

In the US, discussions on security guarantees for Kyiv have also intensified. US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff stated that during talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, a preliminary agreement was reached on the issue.

According to him, the United States, together with its allies, could provide Ukraine with protection similar to NATO’s Article 5, though outside the Alliance itself.

During a White House meeting, Trump confirmed that Washington would participate in the system of security guarantees. He promised to provide Ukraine with "very good protection" in cooperation with European partners, though he later ruled out the involvement of US troops.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the details of the future guarantees are expected to be agreed upon within the next ten days.