Russia sets hard conditions for normalization of Japan-Russia relations: no abandonment of anti-Russian stance, talks off the table
Foreign Ministry makes clear: thaw in ties hinges on tangible steps to abandon hostile policies
Amid an expansion of Russia’s October sanctions list, Russian diplomats held talks with Japanese Foreign Ministry officials, clearly outlining a set of prerequisites—without fulfillment of which, the current crisis cannot be resolved.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that normal dialogue between Moscow and Tokyo can only resume if the Japanese government takes concrete actions to discontinue unfriendly conduct and begin taking into account Russia’s national security interests. This position was conveyed in a statement issued by Lyudmila Vorobyova, Director of the Third Department for Asia at the Foreign Ministry, summarizing outcomes of negotiations with Takashi Nakamura, Director of the European Department at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the Foreign Ministry headquarters (Smolensk Square), Russia reiterated that bilateral relations have deteriorated due to actions taken by Tokyo. The Russian foreign ministry emphasized that Japan’s withdrawal from anti-Russian activities must be demonstrated through actual measures.
Previously, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, warned that Moscow would take countermeasures in response to any hostile provocations by the Japanese government.
Notably, on October 2, Tokyo announced a new round of sanctions. Asset freezes target 33 Russian entities and nine individuals, including the Ural Vehicle Plant, Military Trade Company, All-Russian Institute of Aviation Materials – Progress, Arabuga Development, and Arabuga Machinery.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879623624723468/
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