MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Russia will respond firmly to a Japanese company’s supply of combat drones to Ukraine, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a news briefing.
"Such hostile actions against Russia will not go unanswered. We will respond firmly, including through measures that Tokyo will feel in relevant areas. Our country has the means to ensure this," she said.
Zakharova cited a recent press release by Japanese firm Terra Drone Corporation announcing the delivery of a batch of drones to Ukraine for use in frontline combat operations.
"We regard this as an overtly hostile step, taken despite repeated warnings from the Russian side about the unacceptability of such actions and their adverse impact on bilateral relations," she said.
The diplomat dismissed attempts by Japanese authorities to portray Terra Drone Corporation’s cooperation with the Ukrainian military as a "private initiative," calling such arguments entirely unconvincing.
"Contrary to previous assurances that Tokyo would exert appropriate influence on the manufacturer, the Japanese authorities are not only failing to prevent such activities but are effectively encouraging domestic businesses to engage in military-related deals with the Kiev regime," Zakharova stressed.
She reiterated Moscow’s warning that weapons systems deemed to threaten Russia’s national security, along with facilities in Ukraine used to manufacture them, would be considered legitimate targets for the Russian Armed Forces.
"I trust that Tokyo will hear us," Zakharova concluded.