Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Tuesday offered a pointed analysis of Tokyo’s recent diplomatic posture, arguing that the Kishida administration has aligned its policy more closely with the interests of the United States. The stance, she suggested, serves to undermine the historically cautious, measured relationship that has often characterized Moscow and Tokyo, especially in matters of regional security and territorial history. Zakharova did not mince words about the implications of this tilt, framing it as a friction point that complicates efforts to sustain constructive dialogue between the two nations.
In commenting on what Japan calls the annual Arctic and Northern Lands commemoration, observed as a symbolic event in early February, Zakharova stressed that the event revealed a heightened Russian hostility in the Japanese public discourse. She framed the proceedings as a stage where long-standing grievances and competing historical narratives are aired with unusual intensity, which in her view signals a deeper strain in bilateral engagement. The diplomat warned that such episodes could escalate tensions if not met with careful restraint and a commitment to factual accuracy in statements about disputed territories.
Official Tokyo, according to Zakharova, appears intent on reexamining the postwar order that has guided the international system for decades, a framework many states rely on to manage sovereignty, conflict resolution, and regional stability. She argued that this reevaluation is pursued without sufficient regard for internationally accepted norms or for those moral standards that are enshrined in foundational documents. The remarks conveyed a belief that Japan’s current approach risks weakening the consensus that underpins the rules-based international order, with potential ripple effects across neighboring regions.
Zakharova pointed to what she described as unsubstantiated territorial claims concerning the Southern Kuril Islands, noting that Japan has coupled such claims with vigorous public rhetoric against Russia in the context of the Ukraine situation. She insisted that any assertions about territories must be anchored in documented history and international law, rather than heightened media commentary. The spokesperson urged Tokyo to acknowledge the consequences of World War II as reflected in the United Nations Charter, a principle she argued should guide both state conduct and bilateral negotiations as they move forward.
In closing, the spokesperson underscored that Moscow remains ready to engage in dialogue with Japan on the basis of mutual respect, adherence to international law, and a shared commitment to regional stability. She emphasized that any enduring resolution on territorial questions must be pursued through legitimate processes and reputable channels, avoiding inflammatory rhetoric that could complicate already delicate negotiations. The remarks were attributed to the Russian Foreign Ministry and were cited in public briefings with reference to corresponding diplomatic channels and historical records.