Putin blames Japan for deteriorating Russia-Japan relations

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Japan bears full responsibility for the deterioration of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Tokyo. Speaking to reporters in Kyrgyzstan following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Putin asserted that Russia has not taken steps to worsen ties and has instead responded positively to various issues.

The tension follows Putin’s August 13 visit to Etorofu, one of the four islands known in Japan as the Northern Territories but controlled by Russia. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi condemned the visit as ‘absolutely unacceptable’ and issued a formal protest. Putin maintains that the islands became Russian territory as a result of World War II.

Regarding the long-standing negotiations for a peace treaty to formally end wartime hostilities, Putin noted the process remains difficult but suggested Russia is open to discussing the matter in some form, implying potential concessions. Relations between the two nations have declined sharply since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with Russia designating Japan as an unfriendly nation due to Tokyo’s sanctions.