Zelensky “would like” Japan and South Korea to send lethal weapons to Ukraine

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine would like Japan and South Korea to send lethal weapons that will help protect the state from Russia's war.

He understands, however, there are "legislative and constitutional difficulties." CNN reports.

The president noted that regarding diplomatic pressure on Russia and certain formats of diplomatic resolution of the war in Ukraine, "the key is respect for the UN Charter and international law."

Russia has no chance for any diplomatic paths as long as its troops are on our territory in violation of our territorial integrity and sovereignty," he told a news conference at the G7 summit in Japan.

We all understand that no one will have anything to do with Russia as long as its troops are on the territory of Ukraine, Zelensky said.

Zelensky made the comments as part of a series of in-person appeals to fellow leaders gathered in Japan to remain united against Russian aggression.

Japan and South Korea are the states that don't supply weapons to Ukraine, limiting themselves to the transfer of personal protective equipment and humanitarian aid. This is explained by internal political aspects as legislation that limits arms exports to other countries.

However, Japan plans to provide Ukraine with $400 million to restore critical infrastructure. In addition, the state will allocate $23 million to cover military gaps when investing in Ukraine.

As for South Korea, in April, the state suggested that it could expand its assistance to Kyiv, going beyond humanitarian and economic support, if Ukraine were to suffer a large-scale attack on the civilian population.

This is the first time that Seoul allows providing weapons to Ukraine. Previously, South Korea ruled out the possibility of supplying lethal aid.