Japan summons Russia ambassador as Kremlin cancels peace talks

The Japanese government has announced that it has summoned the Russian ambassador, Mikhail Galuzin, following Moscow’s decision to impose travel restrictions on its citizens, to end peace talks to finally resolve issues arising out of World War II, and to freeze joint economic programmes for the disputed Kuril islands in the north Pacific. Moscow’s moves followed Japan’s decision to sanction Russian entities over the invasion of Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that vice-minister Takeo Mori made the following points to the Russian ambassador:

‘On March 21 (Moscow time), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, considering that the measures taken by Japan in connection with the situation in Ukraine are unilateral and unfriendly nature, announced to take measures on that basis including the following: the Russian side (1) does not intend to continue the negotiations on a peace treaty, (2) terminates the Four-Island Exchange Program and other programs, and (3) withdraws from the dialogue on the joint economic activities on the Four Northern Islands.

‘In the first place, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which is a sovereign State, is an attempt of unilateral change of status quo by force, and shakes the very foundations of the international order. This is clearly a violation of international law and totally unacceptable, and Japan strongly condemns it. It is unforgivable that Russia continues to attack and destroy civilian infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, houses and commercial facilities, and to kill and wound a number of civilians.

‘Whatever claims the Russian side may make, there cannot be any justification for the aggression. Japan urges the Russian side to engage in an immediate ceasefire, and to withdraw all its forces.

‘Also, it stands to reason that Japan takes strong sanctions against Russia upon its aggression in collaboration with the international community including the US, the EU, and the UK.

‘It is the Russian side that caused this situation by resorting to military means. Nevertheless, it is quite unjust and absolutely unacceptable to make such a claim as shifting the responsibility to the Japanese side. Japan lodges a strong protest.

‘In addition to the measures announced by the Russian side this time, the Japanese side is strongly concerned that Russia has introduced, or is considering introducing, measures that may cause harm to the Japanese citizen and companies. Japan urges the Russian side again that the legitimate interest of Japanese citizens and companies should not be hurt.’