Why Japan’s Russia outreach could fuel G7 concern over unity: ‘bad signal’ (opens original article in a new tab)

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces G7 concerns over Tokyo's diplomatic outreach to Russia, including meetings with Russian officials and potential energy exemptions, as European nations criticize Japan's approach to Moscow.

• Japanese officials met with Russian counterparts in May, drawing criticism from G7 allies.
• Japan's potential extension of an exemption to import Russian energy from Sakhalin 2 project amid Middle East tensions.
• Foreign Minister Motegi defended Japan's diplomatic engagement with Russia despite Western concerns.