Moscow Warns Tokyo: We No Longer See a Chance to Continue Dialogue, Our Response Will Be Firm

The Russian Foreign Ministry warned Tokyo against any new attempts at escalation, emphasizing that Russia's response would be firm and carry significant weight for Japan, according to the "Novosti" agency. It added, "Since the onset of the Russian military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, the Japanese government has pursued an overtly hostile course toward Russia, as Tokyo has doubled its sanctions and inflamed anti-Russian sentiments within Japanese society, while the military activity of the United States and NATO countries has increased along Russia's eastern borders, including conducting nuclear weapons exercises." It stated, "The Russian side no longer perceives any opportunity to continue dialogue with Tokyo regarding the conclusion of peace and the establishment of good neighborly relations." It is noted that Tokyo and Moscow signed an agreement in 1956 to cease hostilities and restore diplomatic relations, as well as to conclude a peace treaty, following Japan's defeat in World War II.