Russia suspends peace treaty negotiations with Japan

Moscow will also cancel visa-free travel for Japanese nationals visiting four disputed islands in the Pacific Ocean, known as the Southern Kurils in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan. The Russian Foreign Ministry also said that Russia would withdraw from dialogue with Japan on the establishment of joint economic activities on the islands. In addition, Russia will prevent Japan from becoming a sectoral dialogue partner of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization.

Along with Western countries, Japan has imposed economic sanctions on Russia after Russia launched a Special Military Operation in Ukraine.

Russia and Japan did not sign a peace treaty after World War II because both sides claim sovereignty over the four islands.