THE "ISLANDS OF STUMBLING" IN THE RUSSIAN-JAPANESE RELATIONS

Abstract

The article considers topical issues of the agenda of Russian-Japanese relations in the form of territorial claims of Japan about the South Kuril islands and the absence of a peace treaty between the countries. The author analyzes contradictory approaches and positions of both countries to settle disputes, which makes the signing of a peace treaty between Russia and Japan impossible in the near future. The article also shows the significance of the Kuril Islands for Russia not only in strategic and geopolitical advantages, but also in such fundamental principles as territorial integrity and inviolability of Russia, priority of national interests, national self-awareness and civil position of Russians. The author comes to the opinion that nowadays the most important thing in relations with Japan should be the establishment of ties in the spirit of good-neighborhood and partnership, expanding contacts in the economic, social, cultural, environmental and other spheres.