Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has sharply criticized Japan over its reaction to President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Iturup in the Kuril Islands, arguing that Tokyo has no grounds to object to the Russian president travelling within his own country.
Lavrov said Moscow summoned Japan’s ambassador after Japanese officials publicly protested Putin’s trip. According to the Russian foreign minister, statements from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her government regarding the visit went beyond what Moscow considers acceptable diplomatic conduct.
“Our Japanese colleagues and neighbors have, of course, crossed the line of decency,” Lavrov said, describing Tokyo’s comments as unacceptable.
Dispute Over the Ambassador’s Absence
Lavrov also criticized the Japanese embassy after the ambassador did not appear following the Russian Foreign Ministry’s summons.
He said Moscow was initially told that the ambassador would be unable to attend either on August 14 or August 17 because he was reportedly not in Moscow or was unwell.
Lavrov said the explanation was unclear and insisted that the ambassador should appear at the ministry to discuss both Tokyo’s reaction to Putin’s visit and the responsibilities of foreign diplomats working in Russia.
The dispute adds another layer of tension to relations between Moscow and Tokyo, which remain strained by disagreements over the Kuril Islands and Russia’s broader confrontation with Western countries.
Lavrov Accuses Western Powers of Destabilizing the Sahel
Speaking after talks with Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Lavrov turned to security concerns in Africa, accusing foreign powers of supporting armed groups operating across the Sahara-Sahel region.
He claimed that terrorist threats facing African countries are being encouraged by states unwilling to accept the decline of their former colonial influence.
Lavrov specifically accused France of supplying weapons, funding and training to illegal armed groups in the region.
“It is no secret that France is involved in this,” he said, alleging that Paris works directly with armed groups operating in the Sahara-Sahel area.
The claims reflect Moscow’s increasingly prominent criticism of France’s role in Africa as Russia seeks to expand its own diplomatic, security and economic relationships across the continent.
Russia Raises Concerns Over Ukraine
Lavrov also expressed concern over alleged Ukrainian military involvement in attacks affecting countries in the Sahel.
He claimed Moscow had received information suggesting that Ukrainian servicemen, rather than simply private military contractors or mercenaries, were becoming involved in supporting armed groups.
According to Lavrov, such activity would represent a broader form of state involvement rather than isolated acts carried out by individuals.
He described the alleged assistance as “state-sponsored terrorism” against Sahel countries, although the accusations were presented by the Russian side and have not been independently established in the statements cited.
Ghana Seeks Answers Over Its Citizens
The discussions with Ghana also touched on Ghanaian nationals involved in Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
Lavrov said Russia’s Defense Ministry would examine a request from Accra concerning Ghanaian citizens who have participated in the conflict.
Ghana’s foreign minister said during the joint press conference that 62 Ghanaian citizens had died during the conflict, while another 15 were reported missing.
The issue has added urgency to bilateral discussions as Ghana seeks information about the fate of its nationals.
Moscow Offers Security Cooperation to West Africa
Lavrov said Russia was prepared to provide assistance to African countries confronting terrorist threats and expressed support for greater cooperation among West African states.
Moscow also said it wants to help improve relations between the Economic Community of West African States and the three Sahel countries that withdrew from the regional bloc.
The three nations have sought closer coordination through the Alliance of Sahel States, while their departure from ECOWAS has created a new political and security divide in West Africa.
Lavrov argued that geographical proximity makes cooperation between the two sides important, regardless of their political differences.
Russia, he said, is prepared to help facilitate efforts to rebuild those links.
Military Cooperation With Ghana
Military ties between Russia and Ghana are also expected to receive a boost once Accra completes ratification of an intergovernmental agreement on military-technical cooperation.
Lavrov said the agreement would provide additional momentum for bilateral work in the defense sector.
Moscow has increasingly emphasized military and security partnerships as part of its broader effort to deepen relations with African governments.
Ghanaian President Expected at Russia-Africa Summit
The two countries are also preparing for further high-level engagement.
Lavrov confirmed that Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has agreed to attend the third Russia-Africa summit in Moscow.
The planned participation is expected to provide another opportunity for Moscow and Accra to discuss security, defense cooperation and wider economic and diplomatic relations.
For Russia, the talks with Ghana underline its continued effort to strengthen ties across Africa, while Lavrov’s remarks demonstrate how Moscow is using its relationships on the continent to challenge Western influence and promote closer cooperation with governments in the Sahel and beyond.
