Putin: The reason for the deadlock in the Russia-Japan peace treaty negotiations lies with the Japanese side.

According to a report by Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun on August 13, Russian President Putin stated on the 12th that the negotiations for a peace treaty between Japan and Russia, which include the issue of the "Northern Territories," have stalled due to Japan's imposition of sanctions on Russia due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This statement was made during his visit to the Sakhalin region in Russia, at a meeting with officers of the Russian Pacific Fleet. Putin reiterated his position, asserting that the Kuril Islands became Russian territory as a result of World War II. On this basis, he argued regarding the peace treaty negotiations, "Russia had established constructive relations with Japanese leaders, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, but Japan's position has now changed." Putin also pointed out that "NATO is penetrating the Asia-Pacific region, and new military-political groups are forming."