Moscow’s ambassador to Japan, Nikolay Nozdrev, asserts that Tokyo’s hostile stance prevents peace treaty discussions.
Ambassador Nikolay Nozdrev stated that Russia cannot engage in peace treaty negotiations with Japan due to the Japanese government’s alignment with Western policies detrimental to Russia’s security and economy.
The two nations remain at an impasse following World War II, with unresolved territorial disputes over four islands in the Kuril Archipelago, seized by the Soviet Union during the war, being a major obstacle.
While the 1951 San Francisco Treaty saw Japan relinquish claims to the Kurils, Tokyo later contested the inclusion of these specific islands. Russia maintains its sovereignty over these four islands.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba recently reiterated Japan’s commitment to resolving the Kuril Islands issue and concluding a peace treaty with Moscow, expressing regret over the lack of progress. He acknowledged the current strained relations between Japan and Russia stemming from the Ukraine conflict.
Responding to Prime Minister Ishiba’s statement, Nozdrev characterized the Japanese government’s pronouncements as unrealistic.
He pointed out that Russia suspended peace treaty negotiations in March 2022 due to Japan’s unfriendly position.
Nozdrev highlighted Japan’s full support for Western sanctions against Russia, implementing 25 sets of restrictions, including a recent package in mid-January, which he deemed illegal.
He further criticized Japan’s media for conducting an anti-Russia campaign, consistently disseminating negative narratives.
Nozdrev accused the Japanese government of inconsistency, stating that their expressed desire for dialogue on a peace treaty contradicts their simultaneous anti-Russia rhetoric and sanctions threats.
He emphasized the contradictory nature of Japan’s approach, suggesting a lack of internal coherence in its policy.