Kremlin Says Russia–Japan Relations “Reduced to Zero” Amid Territorial Dispute

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

The Kremlin announced on Friday that relations with Japan have been “reduced to zero” due to Tokyo’s “unfriendly” stance towards Russia, with no ongoing dialogue on a potential peace agreement.

Russia and Japan have never signed a formal World War II peace treaty, largely because of a longstanding territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands, which Japan refers to as the Northern Territories.

In her inaugural address to parliament on Friday, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated: “Although Japan–Russia relations are in a tough spot, the Japanese government’s position remains unchanged, aiming to resolve the territorial issue and conclude a peace treaty,” according to Russia’s TASS state news agency.

However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia’s ties with Japan “have been reduced to zero” due to what he described as Tokyo’s unfriendly approach.

“There is no dialogue, and it is impossible to discuss the issue of a peace treaty without dialogue,” Mr Peskov told reporters at a daily briefing. “Russia has never been in favour of ending this dialogue… Under these circumstances, it is unlikely that any agreements can be reached without changing the modalities of our relations.”

Source: Reuters



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