Japan’s decision to impose sanctions against Russia is the major barrier towards progress in negotiations

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled that a breakthrough is unlikely on the thorny Northern Territories issue during his visit to Japan starting Dec. 15.
Putin’s hard-line stand stems from Japan’s decision two years ago to join other Group of Seven nations in imposing sanctions against Russia after it annexed Crimea in Ukraine.It may also be due in part to the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. president. The billionaire property developer has repeatedly praised Putin. The Russian leader made clear that Japan’s decision to impose sanctions remains a major barrier towards progress in negotiations as it shattered trust between the two countries.”Japan joined in the sanctions against Russia,” he said. “How are we going to further economic relations at a higher level amid such sanctions?”