President Volodymyr Zelensky held separate meetings with the leaders of Japan, Chile and the United Kingdom in New York, with talks focusing on air defence, energy security, military technology and broader international cooperation.
During his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Zelensky thanked Japan for its support since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, including assistance to Ukraine’s energy sector, humanitarian projects and sanctions against Russia. Takaichi said Japan would continue its support.
The two leaders also discussed opportunities for technological cooperation, including areas in which Ukrainian experience could be combined with Japanese capabilities.
“Ukraine is ready to share its experience and technologies on a mutually beneficial basis. Japan also has advanced technologies for protecting lives, particularly in air defence, that could help Ukraine get through next winter if Russia once again spurns negotiations,” Zelensky said.
He invited Takaichi to visit Ukraine and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, where Japan has supported restoration work following a Russian drone attack in June.
Zelensky also met Chilean President José Antonio Kast, thanking Chile for its support for Ukraine at international forums, including the UN General Assembly, and for cooperation in efforts to return Ukrainian children taken to Russia.
The talks focused on expanding bilateral relations, particularly in security and drone technologies. Zelensky said closer cooperation with Chile could also help Ukraine develop stronger links across Latin America.
“This truly can open up even more promising opportunities. Our teams will work on all the issues we discussed during the meeting,” he said.
Kast was also invited to visit Ukraine.
In a separate meeting with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Zelensky focused on preparations for winter, air defence and further assistance to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
He thanked the UK for its military support, singling out Storm Shadow missiles and the contribution of the British defence industry.
“From all our soldiers, our deepest respect to your industry for the Storm Shadows. It’s an absolutely great, unique instrument for defending,” Zelensky said.
Burnham said Britain was preparing further support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with another contribution expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.
Air defence was a major part of the talks. Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence had information indicating that Russia was preparing another large-scale attack and stressed that Kyiv was continuing discussions with partners about additional systems and interceptor capabilities.
“Our intelligence is now reporting that Russia is preparing a new massive attack against Ukraine,” Zelensky said. “When Ukrainians are living every day under the threat of missile and drone strikes, lifting sanctions is out of the question.”
Burnham said Britain was working with its partners on additional air-defence options, including new technologies being developed by smaller UK companies that could provide less expensive ways of countering aerial threats.
“There are some innovative new solutions coming from UK companies, smaller ones, much more low-cost, which may be helpful,” he said.
The three meetings took place as Ukraine uses the UN General Assembly gathering in New York to seek additional international support ahead of winter and expand cooperation with partners beyond Europe.
