Fact check: Japan has provided financial aid to Ukraine, but no tanks
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The claim: Japan is sending tanks to Ukraine
An April 18 Facebook video (direct link, archive link) shows a series of clips depicting soldiers in action and military equipment on the move.
"Japan Has Warned Russia for the Last Time: Japanese Tanks are on Their Way to Ukraine! Big Support," reads the video's caption.
The video was shared more than 100 times and viewed more than 80,000 times in two weeks.
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Our rating: False
There is no evidence that Japan is sending tanks to Ukraine. The country has strict rules that prevent it from sending weapons to countries involved in a conflict. Japan has sanctioned Russia and provided financial aid to Ukraine.
Japan has given financial aid to Ukraine, but no weapons
Japan has imposed sanctions against Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine, and it has provided Ukraine with economic support and some equipment, including helmets, bulletproof vests and drones, according to a PBS NewsHour report.
But Japan hasn't sent tanks or any other weapons to Ukraine.
There is no mention of a plan to send tanks to Ukraine in any recent statements released by Japan's defense or foreign affairs ministries. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Ukraine in late March, but multiple news reports about his visit don't say anything about sending tanks.
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Japan has not sent weapons to Ukraine, but it has pledged about $5.5 billion in financial aid, according to the Associated Press. There have been no reputable media reports of a plan to send tanks.
Japan has strict rules that "effectively forbid (it) from exporting weapons or defense equipment to countries involved in conflicts," according to The Japan Times. However, Japan has considered revising those rules to allow weapons to be sent to countries fighting off an invasion.
Multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K. and Germany, have committed to sending tanks to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia, but Japan has not yet made such a commitment.
USA TODAY reached out to the social media user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Check Your Fact also debunked the claim.
Our fact-check sources:
Associated Press, Feb. 24, Japan, other G-7 leaders step up Russia sanctions
Associated Press, March 20, Japan’s Kishida heading to Ukraine for talks with Zelenskyy
Associated Press, Feb. 20, Japan to give Ukraine $5.5B, host online G-7 plus Zelenskyy
USA TODAY, Feb. 24, 2022, Why is Russia invading Ukraine? Could it be the start of WWIII? Here's what we know
USA TODAY, March 21, Japanese leader Kishida 'outraged by the cruelty' on surprise trip to Kyiv; China's Xi 'stands with a war criminal': Live updates
PBS, March 21, Japan’s prime minister offers Ukraine support as China’s president backs Russia
Ministry of Defense, accessed May 1, Article List
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accessed May 1, Press Releases
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accessed May 2, The Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology
Reuters, March 21, In Ukraine to show solidarity, Japan's Kishida meets Zelenskiy, tours massacre site
The Japan Times, April 11, What is keeping Japan from sending weapons to Ukraine?
Nikkei Asia, March 10, Japan weighs weapon exports to nations under invasion
BBC, Feb. 22. Ukraine weapons: What tanks and other equipment are the world giving?
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: Japan has provided financial aid to Ukraine, but no tanks
