Russian FM slams Japan for seeking to cover up its own military moves

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday advised the Japanese leadership to focus on its domestic affairs instead of launching "attacks" against Russia.

Lavrov made the remarks when commenting on Tokyo's statements over Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup Island (called Etorofu in Japan), one of the Southern Kuril Islands (known as the Northern Territories in Japan).

Lavrov noted that "if Japanese colleagues are now attempting to reshape international law to suit themselves and the United States, their close-knit ally; if they seek to shirk historical responsibility for past misdeeds and are now violating their own constitution – the three non-nuclear principles are being eroded, and their military is already seeking to carry out overseas operations, something previously prohibited under the constitution – this naturally gives rise to serious concern." He added that "if they hope to divert attention from this plainly aggressive militaristic course by launching such, excuse my blunt choice of words, rhetorical broadsides against Russia and accusing us of violating international law, I would advise them to mind their own business.

They have plenty of such problems at home." Putin paid his first-ever visit to the disputed island on August 13.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi "strongly protested" the visit at a press conference.

The Russian Foreign Ministry had summoned Japanese Ambassador to Russia Akira Muto, but the ambassador did not confirm his appearance at the ministry, citing personal health reasons.

In the wake of Lavrov's remarks, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova disclosed that Muto had "suddenly felt much better" and will go to the Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.