Putin Demands End to Ukraine Support as Condition for Resuming Japan-Russia Peace Treaty Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded that Japan halt its support for Ukraine as a condition for resuming peace treaty negotiations.

Putin stated at a press conference held in St. Petersburg on the 5th that "the conditions for resuming negotiations on the conclusion of a peace treaty with Japan have not been met."

He took a hardline stance, stating that "negotiations are possible if Japan changes its position on supporting Ukraine." Furthermore, regarding the invasion of Ukraine, President Putin said, "I don't know why Western countries believe Russia will not use nuclear weapons," hinting at the possibility of using nuclear weapons if Russia's sovereignty and territory are threatened.

He also announced that he is considering deploying conventional missiles within range of the United States and other countries. Japan and Russia have not concluded a peace treaty since World War II, and they have been involved in a long-standing dispute over the ownership of the Kuril Islands.

This statement is interpreted as demonstrating that Russia is increasing its military pressure on Japan following the invasion of Ukraine. The Japanese government condemned President Putin's statement, saying that "Russia's actions in invading Ukraine are a violation of international law," and expressed its intention to continue supporting Ukraine.

President Putin's statement is expected to further heighten tensions in future Japan-Russia relations.