Putin offers Japan ties With conditions on policy

Oct 1

Taisuke Abiru asks about the prospects for Russia–Japan relations, recalling previous contacts. Putin says Russia remains open to cooperation and Japanese business but argues that Japanese sanctions and military alignment have damaged relations. He says Russia did not initiate the deterioration and would support Japanese companies willing to work with it. This is a conditional cooperation offer and policy assessment, with no new bilateral agreement, changed territorial settlement or confirmed leaders’ meeting.

Asked by Abiru, Putin says Russia is open to cooperation and Japanese companies but blames Japanese sanctions and military alignment for deteriorating relations. He describes willingness to support business that wants to work with Russia. No new agreement, territorial settlement or leaders’ meeting is confirmed.