Japan wants to sign peace treaty with Russia after 70 years of deadlock talks
Japan intends to conclude a peace treaty with Russia despite the strained relations between the two countries, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated.
"Japanese-Russian relations are in a difficult state, but our country will continue to pursue a resolution to the territorial issue and the signing of a peace treaty," Ishiba emphasized.
He had previously expressed this position during earlier addresses to the parliament. For instance, in November 2024, Ishiba reiterated that the Japanese government hopes to finalize a peace treaty with Russia and finally "resolve the issue of the Northern Territories."
A similar stance has been voiced by Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.
Russia Outlines Conditions for Considering Peace Proposals
Russia has indicated it will consider Japan's initiatives to resume dialogue only after Tokyo takes practical steps to abandon its unfriendly policies toward Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated. Moscow assumes that Japan still has politicians and public figures who understand the destructive nature of the anti-Russian course pursued by the current Japanese government, the statement emphasized.
State Duma Deputy Alexei Chepa noted that Russia could sign a peace treaty with Japan after reviewing its terms. Such a treaty would underscore good neighborly relations between the two nations, he believes.
"If a country expresses such an initiative, we need to examine the terms of the treaty. We never signed one because Japan always resisted, and we lived without an agreement. However, relations between countries should always be reinforced by international treaties," the politician said.
On January 10, it was reported that Japan imposed sanctions on three Russian banks, 29 legal entities, and 11 individuals. Among those targeted were Alrosa CEO Pavel Marynichev, TsMRBank Vice President Dmitry Nikulin, and Alexei Budnev, the owner of LLC Technology. The restrictions on financial institutions are set to take effect on February 9. Additionally, Japan banned the export of industrial-use capsaicin and 335 types of goods, including components for special equipment, compact motorcycles, and tools.
Historical Context of the Peace Treaty
The peace treaty between Russia and Japan has remained unsigned for over 70 years. Tokyo has made the return of the islands of Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai a condition for the agreement. Moscow maintains that the Southern Kuril Islands became part of the USSR following World War II, and their sovereignty is not up for discussion.
After Japan supported anti-Russian sanctions related to Moscow's special military operation in Ukraine, Russia halted consultations with Tokyo on the peace treaty.