Unresolved Conflict: Russia and Japan's Elusive Peace Treaty

A long-awaited peace treaty between Russia and Japan remains stalled due to ongoing territorial disputes and icy diplomatic relations. The Kuril Islands, seized by Soviet troops in World War II, remain a contentious point, preventing a formal end to hostilities between the two nations.

Amid strained diplomatic relations, Russia sees no current reason to discuss a much-anticipated peace treaty with Japan. The Kremlin attributes Japan's unfriendly stance as a major obstacle to negotiations.

Russia, inheriting the Soviet Union's legacy, and Japan never signed a peace treaty to officially conclude their World War II hostilities. This unresolved issue continues to hang over the two nations.

The Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories, were seized by Soviet troops at the war's end and remain under Russian control. This territorial dispute remains a roadblock to a peace treaty.

(With inputs from agencies.)