Moscow: The Kremlin on Friday stated that the prospect of signing a peace treaty between Russia and Japan is “unlikely” unless there is a shift in the nature of relations between Moscow and Tokyo. During a press briefing, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov underscored that the diplomatic ties between the two nations have effectively been reduced to zero, with no current dialogue taking place.

According to Anadolu Agency, Peskov explained that discussing a peace treaty in the absence of dialogue is implausible. He emphasized that Moscow has never been in favor of ending bilateral discussions, asserting that the interruption occurred at Tokyo’s initiative. Furthermore, Peskov accused Japan of maintaining an ‘unfriendly’ stance toward Russia.

Under these strained circumstances, Peskov mentioned that it is improbable for any agreements to be reached without a transformation in the modalities of their relations. The longstanding territorial dispute over the four southernmost Kuril Islands-namely Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai islets-remains a significant point of contention. While Russia controls these islands, Japan refers to them as the Northern Territories.

The territorial conflict has obstructed the signing of a peace treaty between Russia and Japan since the end of World War II. Recent tensions have further intensified due to Tokyo’s imposition of sanctions against Moscow in response to the Russia-Ukraine war.