Russia Expels 8 Japanese Diplomats As Relations Sour

Wires reporting statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry stating that Moscow has expelled eight Japanese diplomats. The move comes as relations between Japan and Russia become increasingly sour in the wake of Tokyo signing up to the US-led sanctions regime.

• On 26 April, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken confirmed that Japan would be attending the NATO summit taking place in Madrid in June. "One of the things we have been advancing is increasing NATO focus on working with partners that are not part of NATO, including what we call the "Asia-Pacific four," and that of course includes Japan...Japan has stood up in remarkable ways on the Ukraine crisis,"
• On the same day, Russia warned Japan about expanding its naval excercises with the US, with Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov stating that it would lead to 'retaliatory measures".