The Japanese government follows an independent policy towards Russia and makes its own decisions without listening to the United States. This was stated by Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya when commenting on the introduction of sanctions against Russia in connection with the Ukrainian crisis, TASS reports.
“This is a decision of our country, it does not mean that we have listened to what the United States says.” – said the minister.
He rejected the idea that Tokyo is subordinate to Washington in its foreign policy.
Answering the question why Japan does not recognize the oppression of the Russian population in eastern Ukraine for eight years before the start of a special military operation, the head of the Japanese Foreign Ministry said that Russia can have its own statements, but their actions towards Ukraine are unacceptable.
Iwaya stressed that Japan must continue to support Kyiv.
