Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) confirmed yesterday (Oct. 13) that it had arrested a Japanese journalist working for the Hokkaido Shimbun in Sakhalin Oblast, on suspicion of espionage. The Russian side said the journalist "had been collecting information on Russia's defence capabilities."
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded the same day, expressing regret that Japan had tried to use its journalists stationed in Russia to collect information and undermine Russia's security. She noted that the case was not an isolated one: since Russia began its special military operation, Japan has adopted an "anti-Russia course," leading to an overall deterioration of bilateral cooperation. Japan, she added, has also shown no willingness to heed Russia's concerns over Japan's "remilitarisation," which threatens Russia's security interests in the Far East.
Zakharova called on the Japanese authorities to change their approach and abandon hostile actions toward Russia.
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