Moscow says "no" to peace deal with Japan

Japan has not abandoned its anti-Russian course, therefore a dialogue on a peace treaty is impossible.

The statement was voiced by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrey Rudenko, in an interview with TASS.

"It is obvious that it is impossible to discuss the signing of such a document [peace treaty] with a state that has openly unfriendly positions and makes direct threats against our country", he said.

Rudenko stressed that he sees no signs of Tokyo deviating from its anti-Russian course and making any attempts to rectify the situation.

According to him, the Russian side had previously been negotiating with Japan a full-fledged comprehensive treaty on peace, friendship and good-neighbourliness, which would define the key points for the speedy development of Russian-Japanese ties.

"With the launch of the special military operation in Ukraine, [Prime Minister Fumio] Kishida's administration has actively engaged in a Western-directed Russophobic campaign, in effect completely dismantling the results gained over many years of mutually beneficial cooperation", the deputy minister added.