Russia: Russia said on Tuesday that it had detained a Japanese journalist on suspicion of espionage, accusing Tokyo of using media correspondents to gather intelligence. The move marks a further deterioration in bilateral relations, which have worsened sharply in recent months.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry identified the journalist as Yuki Imai, while the Federal Security Service (FSB) said he worked for Hokkaido Shimbun, a regional newspaper serving Japan’s northern island. The FSB said Imai was detained in the far eastern Sakhalin region a day before he was due to leave the country, without specifying the date.
The agency accused him of collecting and storing information on Russia’s defence capabilities for intelligence purposes, alleging that the material could be used to undermine Russia's security.
Hokkaido Shimbun did not confirm the journalist’s identity, saying it was still verifying the details and that the reporter’s safety was its top priority.
Russia and Japan have never signed a formal peace treaty following World War Two. An unresolved territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories, remains the main obstacle to such an agreement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited one of the disputed islands in August, prompting strong reactions in Japan. Tokyo has said it would continue implementing sanctions against Russia and supporting Ukraine.