Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on November 5 that bilateral relations between Russia and Japan can only be restored after Tokyo ends its anti-Russian course. The announcement followed a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Atlanta.
Zakharova noted the conversation was brief, with ministers discussing how relations have deteriorated significantly due to Tokyo’s actions, particularly its decision to join Western sanctions policies. She emphasized that while Moscow has repeatedly expressed openness to dialogue, full-fledged interstate cooperation will only resume once Japanese authorities abandon their anti-Russian stance.
The meeting occurred on October 30 during the G20 summit in Atlanta, where officials highlighted Japan’s need to shift its approach. This follows earlier discussions between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko and Japanese Ambassador Akira Muto on October 27, which outlined assessments of key issues affecting bilateral relations.
