Putin consideră că Guvernul de la Tokyo este vinovat pentru înrăutățirea relațiilor ruso-japoneze. „Regretăm, dar este vina lor, 100%”

Vladimir Putin blamed the Japanese government for the deterioration of Russia-Japan relations, expressing surprise at Japan's stance. He stated that Russia was willing to discuss a peace treaty and humanitarian issues regarding Japanese citizens visiting the Kuril Islands. Putin emphasized that Russia had not taken any steps to worsen relations, while Japan's recent comments were deemed unacceptable by Tokyo. The bilateral relationship has worsened following Putin's visit to the disputed islands, which Japan claims as its Northern Territories. The Kuril Islands dispute has persisted since World War II, preventing a peace treaty between Japan and the former USSR.