Russia declared this week that diplomatic relations with Japan have been 'reduced to zero,' citing Tokyo's 'unfriendly stance' toward Moscow amid frozen negotiations for a formal World War II peace treaty. The announcement comes 81 years after the war's conclusion, with both nations still divided by an unresolved territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reiterated in a parliamentary address on Friday that Japan remains committed to resolving the territorial issue and normalizing relations. 'Our position remains unchanged—we seek peaceful resolution through dialogue,' she stated, according to TASS reports.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov countered these claims, telling reporters: 'There is no dialogue, and it’s impossible to discuss a peace treaty without it. Any agreements now require fundamental changes in our relationship dynamics.'
Analysts note the impasse reflects broader geopolitical tensions, with Japan joining Western sanctions against Russia following the Ukraine conflict. Observers warn the diplomatic freeze could impact energy cooperation and regional security frameworks in Northeast Asia.
