America News Agency

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova reacted to statements by the Japanese government regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup Island in the Kuril Islands.

Zakharova described statements made on August 13 by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi as “unacceptable,” arguing that Tokyo was trying to instruct Moscow on which regions of his own country the Russian president could visit.

Describing Japan's latest statements toward Russia as an indication of its policy on bilateral relations, Zakharova said Tokyo had joined Western sanctions against Russia and was providing military and technical support to Ukraine.

Zakharova argued that these policies were damaging the foundations of Russia-Japan relations.

Zakharova argued that the Southern Kuril Islands became part of Russia following World War II and said Russia's sovereignty and jurisdiction over the islands were not open to debate.

Zakharova also described the Japanese government's statements as “revisionist,” claiming that Tokyo was pursuing a policy that contradicted efforts to support peace, security and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.