Key Facts
• December 26, 2025: Japanese lawmaker Muneo Suzuki met Russian Deputy Foreign Ministers in Moscow.
• Suzuki urged early resumption of grave visits by former residents of the Northern Territories.
• Russian officials raised concerns over Japan’s increased military spending and direct flight resumption.
• December 24, 2025: Suzuki met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi before his visit.
• Suzuki conveyed Japan’s desire for peace in Ukraine and humanitarian considerations for aging former residents.
• Russian Deputy Minister Rudenko emphasized Japan must abandon hostile policies for bilateral exchanges.
• Suzuki also met Russian Upper House Deputy Speaker Konstantin Kosachev to discuss parliamentary exchanges.
• Suzuki highlighted the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels amid strained Japan-Russia relations.
• December 27, 2025: Suzuki planned further meetings with Russian diplomats before returning to Japan.
• Suzuki noted Russia’s expectations due to Takaichi’s alignment with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s diplomacy.
Summary
Japanese lawmaker Muneo Suzuki, during his December 2025 visit to Moscow, strongly advocated for the resumption of grave visits by former residents of the Northern Territories. Meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Ministers Andrey Rudenko and Mikhail Galuzin, Suzuki emphasized the humanitarian urgency due to the aging population of former residents. Russian officials, however, expressed concerns over Japan’s military spending and stressed the need for Japan to abandon hostile policies to restore bilateral exchanges. Suzuki also met Russian Upper House Deputy Speaker Konstantin Kosachev, agreeing to work towards resuming parliamentary exchanges. Before his visit, Suzuki consulted with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, relaying Japan’s desire for peace in Ukraine. Suzuki underscored the importance of maintaining diplomatic ties during strained relations, noting Russia’s expectations due to Takaichi’s alignment with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s diplomatic approach. He planned further discussions with Russian diplomats before returning to Japan on December 27, 2025.
