Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova later instructed state information company TASS that after Lavrov’s feedback the ambassador had “instantly began feeling higher” and would attend on Tuesday.
Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported that Muto didn’t initially reply out of concern that Russia would unilaterally dominate the discussions, making a balanced trade troublesome.
Nonetheless, Tokyo determined to answer to the summons after inside deliberations, NHK mentioned, citing unnamed sources.
Ties between Japan and Russia have worsened for the reason that full-scale battle in Ukraine started in 2022.
Japan has joined different G7 nations in sanctioning Russia and giving cash and non-lethal defence help to Kyiv, which, like Washington, recognises Japanese sovereignty over the disputed islands.
Japan not directly helps Ukraine’s air defence by exporting domestically produced Patriot interceptor missiles to america, serving to replenish US stockpiles which have been diminished by navy help to Kyiv.
Analysts mentioned that Putin’s go to to the Kurils may have been aimed toward warning Japan off deepening help to Ukraine, doubtlessly by supplying Patriot missiles instantly, and cooperation with NATO.
Whereas Japan has eased restrictions on defence exports in recent times, it stays unable to provide deadly navy tools on to a rustic at struggle, together with Ukraine.
