According to a press release from the Foreign Ministry, published by Sputnik on Sunday, Japan blames Russia for all problems; however, it overlooks the illegality and hostility of its actions, while it does not hide that its steps are aimed at destabilizing the political situation in Russia.

The Ministry noted that “Russia-Japan relations began to deteriorate sharply after the former launched a special military operation in Ukraine,” as the administration of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in violation of all regulations, adopted unfriendly measures against Russia.

It also imposed 15 personal and sectoral packages of sanctions, stopped implementing the most-favored-nation clause, and expelled a group of Russian diplomats, the Foreign Ministry’s communiqué noted.

In order to return to talks, Japan must show elementary respect for Russia and a desire to improve the bilateral relations, and “so far, Tokyo shows no such desire,” Russia said.

On Friday, the Japanese Government announced a ban on exports to Russia of “dual-use items that can contribute to the development of the military and other capabilities,” including vaccines, medical equipment, and radioactive material.

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