# Russian experts: Japan's militarization hardens Moscow's stance

https://mins.news/en/item/25689

- CGTN, 2026-08-16 10:52 UTC
- World
- Original: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-08-16/Russian-experts-Japan-s-militarization-hardens-Moscow-s-stance-1PEPhnnsyNG/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&UTM_Medium=rss&UTM_Campaign=World

> Russian political analysts say Japan’s policies have left relations with Moscow deadlocked, leaving little reason for Russia to show goodwill. They viewed Vladimir Putin’s visit to disputed Iturup island as a reaffirmation of Russian sovereignty. Japan strongly protested, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi insisting the Northern Territories are inherently Japanese.

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