Kremlin: Relations with Japan reduced to zero amid "hostile" stance

The Kremlin has stated that there are currently no peace talks between Russia and Japan and that relations between the two countries have been “reduced to zero”. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described Tokyo’s stance as hostile and stressed that, without the resumption of dialogue, there can be no discussion of a peace treaty.

The two countries have never signed a formal peace treaty since the end of the Second World War, as they remain divided over the Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories.

However, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signalled in her inaugural speech that Tokyo is not abandoning that objective. She said the government intends to continue seeking a resolution to the territorial dispute and to conclude a peace agreement, even though bilateral relations are currently strained.

At the same time, Moscow has indicated that, without a fundamental shift in Japan’s position and conditions, any meaningful progress is unlikely.

(reuters, pir)