Relations between Russia and Japan have deteriorated significantly in recent years, reaching their lowest point since the end of World War II. This assessment was shared in an interview with RIA News by Nikolai Nozdryov, who was recently appointed as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Japan.
According to Ambassador Nozdryov, the downward trajectory of bilateral ties stems from a series of deliberate actions by Japan. He pointed to the rejection of agreements, the termination of established accords, and the implementation of multiple economic sanctions, many of which, in his view, bore consequences for Japan itself. He also highlighted what he described as a persistent campaign to inflame anti-Russian sentiment within Japanese society.
Nozdryov emphasized that the current state of affairs is so strained that it could be described as a point of no return, a conclusion drawn after decades of a fragile but functional relationship. The ambassador noted that the ties between the two nations have not simply cooled but have endured sustained damage on multiple fronts.
The appointment of Nikolai Nozdryov as Russia’s ambassador to Japan was confirmed by President Vladimir Putin at the end of January, signaling the start of a new phase in diplomatic interactions between Moscow and Tokyo. The question of how long this period will last has partly been answered by recent trade figures, which showed a notable reduction in the volume of bilateral trade as of March. This development has added a practical dimension to the already complex political dialogue surrounding the relationship.
Earlier statements from Japan indicated a willingness to consider removing certain preferential trade arrangements with Russia for an additional year, a decision that has the potential to influence future economic exchanges between the two countries. Observers describe the trajectory as one where political and economic signals are intertwined, with each move affecting the other and shaping the overall posture of Moscow and Tokyo in regional and global contexts.
Analysts note that the path ahead will depend on a combination of strategic considerations, including security concerns, regional alignments, and the broader dynamics of Russia’s relations with the international community. The current climate calls for careful diplomacy, a deeper understanding of each side’s red lines, and a readiness to rebuild trust where possible while acknowledging remaining disagreements. The Russian side has underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and concrete steps that can gradually restore stability to the bilateral relationship, as described in statements by officials familiar with Moscow’s approach to the Japan relationship.