Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova issued a stark warning on Wednesday, cautioning Japan about the potential “grave consequences” in Russia-Japan relations following Japan’s decision to provide Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine.
Zakharova highlighted the escalating tensions between Moscow and Tokyo, exacerbated since Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022. Japan, in line with its Western allies, has imposed severe economic sanctions on Russia, further straining bilateral ties.
“Japan loses control over the weapons with which Washington can now do whatever it wants,” Zakharova emphasised during a weekly briefing, expressing concerns about Japan indirectly aiding Ukraine’s military capabilities amid the conflict with Russia.
The Russian spokeswoman cautioned that if the Patriot missiles reached Ukraine, it would be perceived as a clear act of hostility against Russia, warning of severe repercussions for Japan’s bilateral relations with Russia.
Additionally, Zakharova referenced recent military activity involving Japan, South Korea, China, and Russia, noting heightened tensions in the region due to territorial disputes and increased military deployments.
The long-standing territorial disagreement over the islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kuriles in Russia, has been a major obstacle in formally concluding World War Two hostilities between Russia and Japan.
