Russia and Japan: milestones of the past and challenges of the present

The article analyzes key events in the history of Russian-Japanese relations, the anniversaries of which fall in 2025. Particular attention is paid to important historical milestones, such as the conclusion of the Treaty of Shimoda in 1855, the Treaty of St. Petersburg in 1875, the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905, and the Basic Convention in 1925, as well as the surrender of Japan in 1945, which put an end to the Soviet-Japanese War and World War II. These events significantly influenced the development of relations between the two countries and determined the further vector of their interaction. The article also examines the issue of concluding a peace treaty between Russia and Japan. The author notes that Japan, which for decades followed the tenets of the Cold War and directed its foreign policy in the mainstream of the Japan-U.S. alliance, now faces the need to reconsider its approaches in the context of a changing world order. The author believes that normalization of relations between Russia and Japan and joint efforts to resolve disagreements can not only improve bilateral relations, but also strengthen security in Northeast Asia, contributing to the development of a stable and prosperous region.