The statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasizes that resuming interstate relations requires the Japanese authorities to show, through concrete steps, a renunciation of the hostile line that does not correspond to the interests of Japan and its people. The Russia also highlighted “the importance of the Japanese side’s efforts” to preserve “the positive legacy of bilateral ties accumulated in past years,” the statement noted.

It further stated that these ties are deteriorating due to Japan’s hostile stance toward Russia.

“The parliamentarian was briefed on Russia’s approaches to current issues on the international and regional agenda, as well as certain practical aspects of interaction with Japan,” the Foreign Ministry statement said.

Japan joined the so-called Western sanctions war against Russia after the latter launched a military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, the statement noted.

On March 21, 2022, Russia announced its refusal to continue peace treaty negotiations with Japan and the dialogue on joint economic activities in the Southern Kuril Islands due to what it called the other side’s “hostile stance” regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

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