Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has demanded that Russia dismantle a monument in Khabarovsk dedicated to the Soviet Union's victory over Japan. The Russian Foreign Ministry has responded to the statement.
Takaichi expressed dissatisfaction over the unveiling of a memorial in Khabarovsk depicting a Soviet soldier breaking a border post with the imperial chrysanthemum.
"The chrysanthemum emblem is recognized as a symbol of Japan, and the installation of a memorial depicting its destruction is completely unacceptable. This is an issue that affects the feelings of the Japanese people, and we, as the government, have strongly requested the Russian side to stop the installation and dismantle the monument. We will continue to insist on its removal," the prime minister wrote on social media platform X.
RIA Novosti reports that Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented on the statement.
"If Tokyo treats Japanese history with disdain, this ailment should not be spread to others," she said.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to the Kuril Islands, which drew sharp reactions in Tokyo. There, they voiced strong protests and said it offended the feelings of the Japanese people. Maria Zakharova also commented on the situation at the time.