Japan envoy summoned by Russia over sanctions, Ukraine support

Russia's foreign ministry called in Japan's envoy on Tuesday to formally lodge a protest over Tokyo's alignment with Western nations on Ukraine and economic sanctions against Moscow. The summons underscores growing tensions between the two countries as Japan strengthens ties with Western allies amid the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.

The Russian government indicated it may pursue retaliatory measures in response to Japan's decision to impose sanctions and publicly support Ukraine's position in the conflict. Moscow has previously criticized Japan for joining coordinated Western pressure campaigns, which Russian officials characterise as interference in regional affairs.

The tensions come amid separate disputes between Tokyo and Moscow over territorial matters in the Far East. Japan maintains its position that it will continue supporting international efforts to address the Ukraine situation while pursuing diplomatic channels with Russia where possible.

The summoning reflects a broader deterioration in Japan-Russia relations since Russia's military operations in Ukraine began, with bilateral ties strained by competing geopolitical interests in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.