Rudenko, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Foreign Ministry, reacted to Japan's imposition of sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine, stating that "full-fledged bilateral dialogue is impossible" and reiterating his recognition that it would be difficult to continue negotiations on a peace treaty with Japan, including the Northern Territories issue.
On the 16th, Interfax News Agency reported an interview with Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in charge of Japan and other Asia-Pacific regions.
Commenting on the sanctions imposed by Japan since the invasion of Ukraine, Rudenko said, "Unless the Kishida administration abandons its policy of hostility toward Russia, full-fledged bilateral dialogue is impossible.
In addition, Prime Minister Abe stated that "there is no prospect of continuing dialogue with Japan on the conclusion of a treaty of friendship and cooperation," and reiterated his recognition that it would be difficult to continue negotiations on a peace treaty with Japan, including the Northern Territories issue.
Russia unilaterally announced last year that it would suspend negotiations on a peace treaty with Japan, and relations between the two countries have remained cold.
On the other hand, Deputy Minister Rudenko said that practical exchanges between the two countries have not disappeared, and that the vacant position of Russian ambassador to Japan is expected to take up the post in the near future.