Zelenskyy says Ukraine wants ‘Drone Deal’ with Japan as North Korea gains combat experience in Russia

Zelenskyy said cooperation could involve both governments and private companies, noting that more than 70% of Ukraine’s defense industry is now in the private sector.

He pointed to drones for maritime monitoring, reconnaissance and demining, as well as air defense and cybersecurity, as potential areas for cooperation.

Zelenskyy linked the proposal to growing security concerns in the Pacific, arguing that North Korea is gaining experience in modern warfare through its military cooperation with Russia.

He said North Korean personnel were training with drones and drone operators in Russia after gaining direct combat experience during fighting in Russia’s Kursk region.

“This is a big problem, especially for security in the Pacific region,” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian president also criticized China’s position on the war, saying Beijing had significant leverage over Moscow but had not used it to push Russia toward negotiations.

Zelenskyy said he had seen North Korean-made missiles used in Ukraine but no Chinese missiles, drawing a distinction between Pyongyang’s direct military support and Beijing’s role.

However, he said Chinese equipment and technology were reaching Russia and suggested that specialists could also be involved. He did not provide evidence for the latter claim in the excerpt released by his office.