Russia said on Friday that its relations with Japan have effectively collapsed, blaming Tokyo’s “unfriendly” stance and ruling out any immediate prospects for dialogue.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said ties had been “reduced to zero”, adding that without communication it was impossible to discuss a long-standing peace treaty between the two countries.

“There is no dialogue,” Peskov told reporters. “It is impossible to discuss the issue of a peace treaty without dialogue.”

Decades-Long Dispute Remains Unresolved

Russia and Japan have never formally signed a peace treaty ending World War II, largely due to a territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands referred to as the Northern Territories in Japan.

The islands were seized by Soviet forces at the end of the war, and the disagreement has continued to strain relations for decades.

Japan Maintains Position

In her inaugural address to parliament, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi acknowledged the strained ties but reiterated Tokyo’s commitment to resolving the dispute.

“Although Japan-Russia relations are in a tough spot, the government’s position remains unchanged,” she said, according to Russian state media.

Tokyo continues to seek a resolution to the territorial issue as a prerequisite for concluding a peace treaty.

No Path Forward Without Reset

Moscow, however, signalled little willingness to engage under current conditions, suggesting that any progress would require a fundamental shift in bilateral relations.

“Under these circumstances, it is unlikely that any agreements can be reached,” Peskov said.

The remarks underscore a deepening freeze in ties, with both sides maintaining positions that leave little room for immediate diplomatic breakthrough.

(with inputs from Reuters)