OPINION: Japan must stay firm on Russia pressure, step up Ukraine support

Japan must maintain a firm stance against Russian pressure, particularly in relation to Ukraine support. The Japanese government's protest over Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Etorofu Island in the Northern Territories is insufficient on its own. Limiting the response to protest alone provides Russia with little incentive to reconsider its actions.

However, escalating to symbolic retaliation such as halting dialogue would not serve Japan's interests. Instead, Japan should evaluate the signals it has previously sent to Russia through its diplomacy. Diplomacy requires not only intent but also the perception of others. Japan should consider whether recent actions could have been perceived as a rush to normalize relations with Russia.

While necessary dialogue on practical topics, such as former island residents visiting family graves and protecting Japanese nationals and companies, should continue, outreach should avoid giving the impression of hastening ties. Japan and other Group of Seven countries must intensify efforts against sanctions evasion, Russia's "shadow fleet" for crude oil exports, and the influx of goods into Russia's defense industry.

Japan must also reaffirm its principles of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, positioning support for Ukraine as an extension of this stance. Strengthening support for Ukraine should be done cautiously, as Russia has used territorial issues to pressure Japan's Ukraine policy in the past. The Japanese government should not prioritize early territorial negotiations while neglecting long-term goals, such as resolving the Northern Territories issue and concluding a peace treaty.

Instead, Japan should focus on maintaining strategic consistency and ensuring that Russia cannot leverage the Northern Territories issue to pressure Japan.