Russia warns of backlash over Japan's Patriot missiles to Ukraine
24 March 2024 12:11
The Russian ambassador in Tokyo, Nikolai Nozdrev, has issued a warning to Japan in response to the potential transfer of Patriot missiles manufactured in Japan to Ukraine. Nozdrev highlighted that such an action could have serious repercussions for the relationship between Russia and Japan, including possible "retaliatory measures".
By the end of 2023, the White House announced that Japan had agreed to a request from the United States to provide Patriot air defence systems. The relaxation of Japan's stringent export rules concerning arms was a decisive factor in this agreement.
This amended policy allows Japan to move weapons made under a foreign licence to other countries. Following this announcement, the Associated Press reported speculation regarding the possible use of these weapons by Ukraine in their conflict with Russia.
Russian ambassador in Tokyo threatens Japan with consequences
Nikolai Nozdrev, the Russian Ambassador to Tokyo, discussed the Patriot missile issue at the government agency, Ria Novosti. The ambassador warned Japan of the consequences should the Patriot missiles be delivered to Ukraine.
"The decision to supply Patriots was evidently made very swiftly, almost hastily, with the specific aim in mind. This move essentially allows the Americans to control the weapons owned by Japan and utilise them as they see fit. Therefore, we will vigilantly ensure that the supplied Patriots do not end up in Ukraine because if they do, it will lead to severe backlash for our bilateral relations, including our retaliatory actions."
Territorial dispute between Russia and Japan
Relations between Russia and Japan have been strained for years. The territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands is a key issue of contention. After World War II, Japan formally relinquished its claim to this archipelago in favour of the Soviet Union.
The Japanese government contends that this renunciation did not include certain islands: Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and the Habomai group, referring to these territories as the Northern Territories and underlining the ongoing dispute.
