Demonstration held outside Japanese embassy in Moscow (VIDEO)

Protesters have marked the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end with criticism of Tokyo’s stance on the Kurils and Ukraine

A group of demonstrators gathered outside Japan’s embassy in Moscow on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Participants waved Russian flags and carried banners accusing Tokyo of trying to rewrite history and refusing to formally recognize the postwar settlement.

The protesters emphasized that Japan has still not signed a formal peace treaty with either Russia or China, saying those nations played the most important role in ending WWII. They also condemned Japan’s claims to the South Kuril Islands, with some speakers accusing “Japanese nationalists” of calling for control of Russia’s Sakhalin Island as well.

One demonstrator told reporters, “By not signing a peace deal with Russia and China – two permanent members of UNSC – Japan is effectively undermining the UN’s authority and destabilizing the world order.”

Organizers argued that Japan’s territorial claims amounted to an attempt to reassess the outcome of the war and diminish Russia’s role. They said the refusal to formalize a peace agreement was part of the same approach.

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In addition to criticism of historical issues, the demonstration opposed Japan’s current foreign policy. Participants accused Tokyo of “supporting Nazism” by backing Kiev in the Ukraine conflict.

Outstanding issues remain between Moscow and Tokyo over the Kuril Islands, which were incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1945 as part of the postwar settlement. The absence of a formal peace treaty has remained a major obstacle to better relations, and periodic demonstrations in Russia continue to highlight the unresolved dispute.