Russian military intelligence used Japan as one of its centers for intelligence activity and for obtaining technology needed by Russia to continue the war, The New York Times reported.
The investigation was based on confidential government documents, corporate records and interviews with dozens of intelligence and government officials in several countries.
The newspaper described the activities of the GRU’s 20th Directorate and its personnel in Japan, where Russian networks sought access to microchips, transmitters and other high-tech equipment.
After the full-scale invasion, Western countries restricted exports to Russia of large amounts of dual-use technology. Moscow nevertheless continued obtaining some components through intermediaries and third countries.
Ukrainian authorities say Japanese components are found in many Russian missiles and drones. Those figures are Ukrainian assessments and should not be treated as an independently verified share of Russia’s overall weapons production.