Russia Urges Japan to Abandon 'Hostile Policy' to Restore Bilateral Ties

Russian Diplomat Calls for Policy Shift

On December 26, 2025, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Rudenko met with Japanese lawmaker Muneo Suzuki, urging Tokyo to abandon its 'hostile stance' toward Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that a return to normal interstate relations necessitates concrete steps from Japanese authorities to renounce policies deemed detrimental to both nations' interests.

Deepening Rift Over Ukraine and Sanctions

Russia's call comes amidst significantly deteriorated bilateral relations, largely stemming from Japan's alignment with Western nations in imposing sanctions on Moscow following the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Japan has implemented multiple rounds of sanctions, targeting Russian individuals, entities, and financial institutions. These measures include:

• Suspension of visa issuance for designated individuals
• Freezing of assets belonging to specific Russian banks (VEB.RF, Promsvyazbank, Bank Rossiya) and individuals
• Imposition of export bans on military-related entities, dual-use goods like semiconductors, and non-industrial diamonds

Tokyo, a key U.S. ally and the only Asian member of the G7, has consistently supported Ukraine and condemned Russia's actions, viewing them as a threat to international order.

The Enduring Kuril Islands Dispute

A long-standing territorial dispute over the four southernmost Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories, further complicates Russia-Japan relations. These islands were unilaterally annexed by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II and have prevented the signing of a formal peace treaty between the two countries. In March 2022, Russia announced its refusal to continue peace treaty negotiations with Japan and dialogue on joint economic activities in the Southern Kuril Islands, directly citing Japan's 'hostile stance' regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

Moscow's Warnings and Future Implications

Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko indicated that Russia possesses additional means to respond if Japan continues its current policy. Moscow has already taken 'numerous measures,' including freezing political contacts and suspending peace treaty talks. The Kremlin has stated that discussions on a peace treaty are 'impossible' given Tokyo's 'unfriendly and hostile steps.' This ongoing diplomatic friction underscores the deep divisions that currently define the relationship between the Russian Federation and Japan, with little immediate prospect for reconciliation unless Japan alters its foreign policy approach towards Russia.