Will Japan's Promise Not to Supply Weapons to Ukraine Be Exchanged for Russian Oil?
According to TASS, on the 24th, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated at a press conference that Russia has received assurances from Japan regarding its refusal to supply weapons to Ukraine, and is now closely monitoring Tokyo’s measures concerning arms export controls.
Japan’s sudden assurance to Russia, after lifting restrictions on arms exports, was not without reason. With the Strait of Hormuz still unable to resume navigation, Japan has recently begun experiencing shortages of oil and related products. Thus, the Japanese government clearly aims to use this diplomatic pledge in exchange for Russia resuming oil supplies to alleviate its domestic energy crisis.
However, while Japan may have such intentions, whether Russia will accept this proposal and restart oil exports remains another matter entirely.
Previously, Russia explicitly stated it would not supply crude oil to countries participating in the G7’s price cap mechanism on Russian oil—Japan being one of those participants. Moreover, Japan recently engaged in discussions with Europe and Ukraine regarding drone cooperation—an obvious indication that neither side intends to immediately trust the other’s commitments.
Of course, even more subtle is Russia’s decision to publicly disclose Japan’s promise. In reality, Japan’s assurance already deviates from the unified G7 stance toward Russia. By deliberately exposing this, the Russian Foreign Ministry clearly seeks to sow discord between Tokyo and Western powers. How Russia will respond to Japan’s statements will likely depend on whether Tokyo can deliver more concrete actions.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863441834362956/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.