Japanese Embassy: Russia’s refusal to discuss a peace treaty is “regrettable and unacceptable”

The suspension of negotiations between Russia and Japan to conclude a peace treaty is “regrettable and unacceptable,” according to the Japanese embassy in Moscow.

“The decision not to continue negotiations unilaterally on the part of Russia is extremely regrettable and absolutely unacceptable,” an embassy spokesman told Interfax.

In addition, the diplomatic mission commented on the suspension of work on joint economic activities in the southern Kuriles, calling this decision “a strong disregard for the feelings of the former inhabitants of the islands and their families.” The diplomats also called Russia’s military operation in Ukraine unacceptable and protested “against the announcement of unilateral retaliatory measures and attempts to lay responsibility on the Japanese side.”

Recall, on the eve of the Russian Foreign Ministry said that the decision to suspend work on a peace treaty and other measures were taken due to “the inability to discuss the signing of a fundamental document on bilateral relations with a state that takes openly unfriendly positions and seeks to harm the interests of our country.”

On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin made an emergency appeal to the Russians and announced a special military operation in the Donbass. In his speech, he stated that “circumstances require decisive action from Russia” and stressed that “Russia will not allow Ukraine to have nuclear weapons.” In response to Russia’s actions, Western countries (USA, Canada, EU, UK, Japan) announced new, tougher sanctions against the Russian Federation, including financial and economic ones.

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