Kremlin Official Voices Concerns Over Japan's Militarization and NATO's Potential Role

On May 9, 2025, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and Russia's presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev were present at a military parade in Red Square, Moscow, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Nikolai Patrushev, a prominent figure within the Kremlin, expressed his hope that Japan would cease its pursuit of militarization in relation to Russia and China. He voiced concerns that NATO might utilize its fleet in combat operations.

Patrushev, a former KGB officer and architect of the Kremlin's national security strategy, claimed, without providing supporting evidence, that NATO planned to use the Japanese fleet for combat operations globally. He urged Japanese leaders to reconsider their approach, warning that Russia would not remain passive if the current course continued.

These comments coincided with a rare four-day visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to China, where he attended a military parade in Tiananmen Square. The parade marked the end of World War II following Japan's surrender.

Leading up to the display of China's modern military capabilities, Beijing emphasized the significant roles played by China and the former Soviet Union during World War II in both Asian and European theaters. President Xi Jinping highlighted the relationship between China and Russia as a source of stability for global peace.

The relationship between Russia and Japan remains strained due to the unresolved territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan. Patrushev further stated that the Japanese Navy closely collaborates with the NATO fleet, potentially integrating into Western coalition formats.