The Liberal Democratic Party, which heads the executive in Japan, and its main partner in the government coalition, Komeito, are ready to discuss a review of the rules for exports of defense equipment and technology.
This was anticipated by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper which cites ministerial sources familiar with the dossier, recalling that after next Tuesday's talks, further confrontation will take place after the Golden Week holidays scheduled for early May.
The main theme of the debate, the sources specified to Yomiuri, will be the possible authorization for the export of military equipment to allow Japan to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia and strengthen the military capabilities of countries in similar risk situations.
The National Security Strategy revised last December by conservative Prime Minister Fumio Kishida indicates that the government intends to complete a review of the operating conditions, and that only the caution of some members of Komeito - the Buddhist-inspired pacifist movement - has led to such a shift.
According to the sources, the two parties will discuss whether or not to authorize the export of defense equipment such as tanks and missiles, and increase the categories of equipment considered 'non-lethal', simplifying procurement procedures to third countries.
Such a revision would greatly expand the scope of Japan's assistance to Ukraine, hitherto limited to the supply of defense equipment, such as body armor and helmets.
Support for Kiev will also be one of the main topics at the G7 summit scheduled in Hiroshima from 19 to 21 May, and according to Japanese media, some members of the government have proposed speeding up the legislative process with reference only to Ukraine in view of next month's summit.
Spain, for its part, intends to deliver the promised six Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine "in the next few days".
This was stated by the country's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, quoted by the Kyiv Independent.
"After that, there will be a second pack with four more tanks," Albares said.
Initially the delivery of the Spanish Leopards was to take place "shortly after Easter".
The deadline had been postponed "between 15 and 20 April", as Iberian Defense Minister Margarita Robles said.
The delay would depend on the poor technical condition of the tanks, on which repair work is underway.
And Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the Canadian government on Twitter, which announced yesterday that it will send 28.9 million dollars in military aid to Ukraine.
“I am grateful to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the additional military aid package. Canada and the Canadian people show that the free world stands strong with us as we protect our country and shared values. Thank you, Canada, for your continued support until to our victory,” wrote Zelensky.
