Japan plans to supply hard-hit Ukraine with defense equipment, such as bulletproof vests, gloves, tents and helmets.

Iran PressAsia: Japan will send the Ukrainian military bulletproof vests and other basic supplies in response to a request from Kyiv, but it has no plans to send weapons, a government spokesman said.

Tokyo has self-imposed restrictions on exports of military equipment, a legacy of its militaristic past, but it has been keen to show it is aligned with Western allies in its support for Ukraine. It has imposed economic sanctions on Russian banks and President Vladimir Putin.

The Japanese government has already pledged about $100 million (11.5 billion yen) in loans to Ukraine to support its efforts to counter the financial hardship. Another $100 million is expected to be provided for humanitarian assistance. 219