Russia has announced that it will not enter into any discussions with Japan over a World War II peace treaty until Tokyo abandons what Moscow describes as “anti-Russian” policies. The statement, issued on Thursday by the Russian Foreign Ministry, underscores the continuing strain in relations between the two nations.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Japan’s current stance has “completely blocked bilateral cooperation,” adding that Tokyo’s alignment with Western sanctions and its criticism of Russia’s actions have made dialogue impossible.
Russia and Japan have never formally signed a peace treaty to end World War II hostilities, largely due to a longstanding territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands — known in Japan as the Northern Territories — which the Soviet Union seized in 1945. The issue has remained a key obstacle to improving diplomatic and economic ties.
The latest statement signals a further deterioration in relations following Japan’s support for international sanctions on Moscow and increased defense cooperation with the United States. Analysts say prospects for renewed peace talks now appear remote.
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