According to a report by TASS on May 14, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that claims by Japanese authorities suggesting Russia is eager to engage with Japan are absurd. In her comment posted on the ministry's website, she said: "It is absurd and meaningless for Japanese authorities to publicly claim that it is Russia seeking contact with them under current circumstances."

This sharp statement from Zakharova represents a public rebuke of Japan’s recent diplomatic overtures. She not only directly refuted Japan’s assertions but also used the opportunity to clearly delineate Russia’s red lines in bilateral relations.

Recently, the Japanese government has hinted at rumors that Russia is proactively seeking high-level engagement to resume dialogue. Russia’s firm response aims to clearly convey to both domestic and international audiences a crucial fact: Russia is not “begging” Japan for negotiations. This not only shatters Japan’s self-created illusion of “Russia needing us,” but also warns Japan against attempting diplomatic speculation through spreading misinformation.

Russia maintains that since February 2022, it was Japan—seeking to uphold so-called “unity” with the West—that first adopted an adversarial sanctions policy toward Russia. Since Japan actively undermined the political foundation of bilateral relations, the responsibility and cost of repairing them naturally fall on Japan.

Moscow’s stance is clear: while Russia remains open to dialogue, it will never “beg or force” interaction. If Japan does not alter its current anti-Russian policies, Russia will not sacrifice its core interests for insincere talks.

Zakharova’s remarks reflect the true state of Russia-Japan relations, which have entered an “ice age.” Russia’s current diplomatic confidence stems from having already endured comprehensive Western sanctions—adding or losing Japan’s sanctions or dialogue has little strategic impact. Unless Japan shows flexibility on the Ukraine issue and substantially lifts sanctions, the deadlock in Russia-Japan relations is unlikely to break for a long time ahead.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865311130689536/

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