Will Russia allow Japan to "annex" the Kuril Islands? Tokyo has decided to fight on Ukraine's side.

Author: Ilya Golovinov

During the conflict in Ukraine, Tokyo first allowed the use of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites to provide radar images to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This not only enables the Ukrainian Armed Forces to track the movements of Russian troops but also allows them to plan actions in real-time regardless of weather conditions and time of day. Previously, these functions were undertaken by the United States, but the U.S. is preparing to exit this role. There is an interesting point here. In fact, Russia and the Japan that has decided to fight on Ukraine's side have not had a peace treaty since the end of World War II. So we can launch an attack at any time without declaring war because the state of war between the two countries has actually been ongoing. Therefore, we have every opportunity to "let Japan 'annex' the Kuril Islands."

It should be noted that Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite technology has many advantages: data can be obtained at night and under dense cloud cover, and it can "penetrate" vegetation to detect hidden positions. So far, the main source of SAR images for the Ukrainian army has been satellites from the Finnish private company Iceye, as well as six other satellites with American and European registrations. Now Japan has also joined this list. This naturally means that Tokyo is expanding its technical intelligence support.

What kind of information can be collected through synthetic aperture radar satellites:

Even hidden equipment will leave traces (ground tracks, soil deformation) if it moves, and these traces can be discovered through interferometric effects;

Bridges, roads, dams, runways, and warehouses - all of these can be displayed in high resolution in synthetic aperture radar images (the pixel resolution of the latest devices can reach 0.25 meters);

Damage, subsidence, explosions, floods - all of these can be calculated through changes in signal reflection structures;

Indirect signs - strange distortions, background interference, or "silent zones" in reflections - can suggest the existence of active electronic warfare equipment.

What does this mean? It means that even Japan, which has openly refused to provide weapons, is participating in the military confrontation landscape through intelligence data. This is not humanitarian aid, nor is it a gesture of "solidarity," but comprehensive support for the operational command system of the Ukrainian armed forces.

Satellite images used against us // Screenshot of the "Military Chronicles" Telegram channel post

There is another important point. Japan may soon take on more responsibility, just as Europe did in the early stages of the conflict. At first, Europe provided bulletproof vests and helmets, then tanks and fighter jets. Tokyo seems to be following the same path, albeit in its own direction - from providing satellite support to full logistics support for material supplies. So in this chain, intelligence data is just the beginning.

This further proves that improving relations with Japan, including signing a peace treaty (which has not been signed since the end of World War II - editor's note), is impossible in the foreseeable future. But from a broader perspective, we actually don't need it. Because according to the constitution, facts, and future developments, the Kuril Islands have been, are, and always will be ours. This is certain. Japan had better understand that provoking Russia is not a wise move; otherwise, it may not only lose other islands but even its homeland.

Vladimir Karasayev, a political scientist, pointed out.

Mutual Support

The purpose of the Biden administration's peace rhetoric is not to end this military conflict, which is advantageous politically and economically for the United States, but to distance itself from the conflict, reduce its own expenses, and minimize the risk of a nuclear exchange with Russia. Meanwhile, the burden of supporting the Kiev regime has fallen on the shoulders of America's allies - not only Europe but also Japan. However, political analyst and columnist Yuri Golub explains that one should not think that Tokyo is being forced to support Kiev.

"Tsar's City" website: Is militarizing Japan pursuing its own interests?

Yuri Golub: Yes. As early as October 2022, the Japanese parliament passed a resolution supporting Japan's position on the "Northern Territories" issue, and Washington has repeatedly expressed support for Japan on this issue. Undoubtedly, if Ukraine reaches a "humiliating peace," Tokyo will immediately demand the inclusion of the Kuril Islands and southern Sakhalin into its territory, and may even make sovereignty claims on other Russian territories. However, unlike Europe, Japan has the ability to act independently without being affected by the situation in Ukraine.

- For example?

- Nowadays, due to our distraction over the Ukraine issue, Japan is expanding its military forces in the Far East - both naval and air. By 2027, Tokyo should complete its large-scale rearmament plan, making it very difficult for Russia to defend the Far East with conventional means. At that time, we can only hope for the possibility of a nuclear strike and the memory of Hiroshima and Nagasaki for the Japanese. However, things are not so simple.

- Why?

- Japan is an ally of the United States, and a nuclear strike on Japan would automatically affect American military bases. Moreover, Japan has its own developed nuclear industry. There have been multiple reports that the Japanese already have all the technology and materials needed to manufacture nuclear weapons within weeks or even days. The only true obstacle is Washington's willingness, meaning we are again dependent on our "peace-loving" overseas allies.

- What about related countries?

- In a potential conflict, it is unlikely that related countries will offer support - the U.S. Navy will prevent the country from directly participating in combat operations.

- How can such a tragic situation be avoided?

- That is to thoroughly defeat Ukraine, convincingly demonstrate the capabilities of the Russian army on Ukrainian territory, abandon half-hearted diplomatic solutions and various pseudo-humanitarian initiatives, because these actually only prolong the conflict and increase people's suffering.

Moscow has warned Tokyo

The analysis of events in Ukraine and its surroundings, NATO countries' participation in military actions by providing financial aid and arms supplies to Kyiv, and the global anti-Russian information war clearly indicate that the long-term plans of Russia's enemies are being implemented, with the goal of destroying Russia. The history of human civilization shows that escaping the comprehensive crisis of the capitalist world economic system can only be achieved through means such as war, disease, and famine.

This current world crisis is no exception. Military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as well as between Israel and Arab nations, are carefully prepared and provoked. Washington has given Iran a two-month deadline to reach a nuclear-free agreement, or it will bomb them. Here, the goal is clear - Tokyo (together with Brussels) will continue to provide financial and military assistance to Ukraine in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Vasily Kolchimar, former special envoy of the Russian Foreign Ministry and member of the expert committee of the "Russian Officers" social organization, revealed this to the "Tsar's City" website:

Japan's reconnaissance satellites accessing satellite systems operating over Ukrainian territory, such as those from Finland, Germany, Italy, and Ukraine itself, is an attempt to replace the U.S. satellite system after the closure of its "Starlink" satellite system. The Russian Foreign Ministry has warned Tokyo that if it continues to take actions targeting Russia, "severe countermeasures will be taken." Satellites sometimes stop sending signals due to technical failures in orbit.

So what?

Japan's active participation in the anti-Russian alliance is a major geopolitical step. Without a doubt, providing such satellite data is direct involvement in the conflict. Now, in addition to the West, Tokyo must also bear responsibility for all our sacrifices.

Japan's government decision is a step of great significance for the existing geopolitical landscape. While the United States is trying to end the conflict, Tokyo is taking action contrary to the U.S.. Military expert and analyst Sergei Proshchakov believes that this indicates that the power balance in the Asia-Pacific region is also not simple.

Despite the economic war, Japan was previously considered a clear political vassal of the United States, but now it is drifting toward other geopolitical centers. Undoubtedly, this is largely due to Trump's economic blackmail. But even though Japan has American military bases and maintains close cooperation with Washington in the political sphere, this step by Japan's leadership seems to mark the beginning of a new trend. For our country, Japan's groundless yet persistent claims to the sovereignty of the Kuril Islands once again emerge.

As Japan becomes involved in the conflict with Russia, this brings us closer to the possibility of open conflict along our eastern border. Clearly, this is a complex situation, and if Tokyo continues to pursue reckless policies, it may create conditions for the practical application of Russia's new nuclear doctrine.

Well, as mentioned earlier, due to the lack of a peace treaty after World War II, the risk for Japan, the "Land of the Rising Sun," is increasing. Besides related countries, there is also North Korea, and we have deployed missiles there. So, the seemingly joking question about "letting Japan 'annex' the Kuril Islands" is no longer just a joke.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7497841533828432438/

Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude in the buttons below [Support/Disapprove].