Japan receives Russian Crude as Iran crisis deepens | Muneo Suzuki on Moscow ties

A tanker carrying Russian crude from the Sakhalin II oil and gas project has reportedly arrived in Japan, marking the first such delivery since the closure of the Hormuz Straits and the start of the war on Iran.

Japanese MP Muneo Suzuki says Tokyo should take advantage of its geopolitical ties with Moscow as the energy crisis intensifies. Speaking during a visit to the Russian capital, Suzuki argued that Japan needs Russian energy to protect the lives and security of its citizens.

He also discussed the sharp decline in Japan-Russia relations after sanctions were imposed under the Kishida administration, as well as efforts to resume former residents’ visits to family graves and restart talks on coastal fishing agreements.