Russian envoy declares peace treaty with Japan ‘unrealistic’

(MENAFN) Russia’s ambassador to Japan, Nikolay Nozdrev, has declared that Moscow cannot engage in negotiations over a peace treaty with Tokyo as long as Japan continues to align with Western policies that threaten Russia’s security and economy. The two nations have yet to resolve their differences since the end of World War II, with the primary issue being Japan’s claim to four islands in the Kuril Archipelago, which were seized by the Soviet Union during the war.

While Japan confirmed in the 1951 San Francisco Treaty that it had no territorial claims over the Kurils, it later disputed the islands’ status, and Russia insists that they are an integral part of its territory. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed hope for resolving the dispute and concluding a peace treaty with Moscow but acknowledged the current "difficult situation" in relations, exacerbated by the Ukraine conflict.

In response, Nozdrev stated that Russia views Japan’s statements as unrealistic, reiterating that Moscow announced in March 2022 that it could not pursue peace treaty negotiations due to Tokyo’s hostile stance. He criticized Japan for supporting Western sanctions against Russia, including 25 rounds of sanctions since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, and for engaging in a "Russophobic campaign" fueled by its media. Nozdrev emphasized the inconsistency of Japan’s approach, stating that Japan cannot simultaneously seek dialogue on a peace treaty while continuing to support anti-Russian measures.

MENAFN10022025000045015687ID1109187439