"A powerful trump card." The Japanese were scared because of Zakharova's warning

Readers of Sankei Shimbun are actively discussing the statement of the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova about new Japanese sanctions against Russia.

Some readers believe that Japan should not impose sanctions on Russia and that trade relations between the countries are more beneficial for Japan.

Concerns have been raised that the sanctions could lead to economic consequences for Japan, including higher prices and a loss of three trillion yen if natural gas supplies are cut off.

MOSCOW, October 6 – RIA Novosti. Readers of the Sankei Shimbun reacted violently to the statement by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova about new Japanese sanctions against Russia.

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“Ms. Zakharova really understands Japan’s feelings well. It’s time for us to stop following the West. I don’t understand why we are even in conflict with our powerful neighbor. Japan needs to think carefully while there is still time, otherwise we will destroy ourselves,” wrote one commentator.

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"There is absolutely no need to cooperate with the EU and NATO. The only ones who will suffer from this are ourselves. Japan is already embroiled in border disputes. Diplomacy that ignores geopolitics cannot protect national interests. You cannot impose sanctions on your closest neighbor. Incredible idiocy," said another.

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“Trade relations between our countries are much more profitable than Japan. Why is the Takaichi administration shooting itself in the foot? It is Japan that will suffer the greatest damage. If natural gas supplies are stopped, we will lose about three trillion yen. If you don’t know how to be friends with Russia, at least don’t quarrel,” said a third.

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“Russia has repeatedly stated its readiness for negotiations. However, Japan only imposes sanctions without even trying to enter into dialogue. Even America is engaged in dialogue with Russia! I believe that we should listen to each other’s opinions,” another emphasized.

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“The sanctions that Japan can impose against Russia include freezing personal accounts and refusing to accept ships, right? But how will Russia respond? It has a powerful trump card in the form of the Sakhalin-2 project. If it is put into action, utility costs in Japan will skyrocket. Prices for food and everything else will also rise. Don’t repeat the mistakes of Germany,” the readers concluded.

The day before, Zakharova criticized the Japanese government for introducing additional sanctions, calling them another confirmation of the lack of independence of Tokyo’s foreign policy. She also said that Moscow would respond accordingly.