Sources in the Japanese government say it has decided to accept around 10 to 20 wounded soldiers from Ukraine per year as part of programs to support the country.

The government made the decision after receiving a request from Ukraine for such support.

Japan has so far provided Ukraine with bulletproof vests, helmets and other supplies.

Sources told NHK that it plans to accept two soldiers at the Self-Defense Force Central Hospital in Tokyo by a mid-June as an initial step.

The sources say the government is due to have the capability to accept around 10 to 20 soldiers per year if things go as planned.

The two soldiers expected to come to Japan have suffered serious injuries involving lower limb amputation. The sources say the injuries are assumed to require treatment lasting a month or two, including rehabilitation.

The cost per person is estimated at about 15,000 to 30,000 US dollars, including expenses for hospitalization, prosthetic legs and travel.