Lavrov cites UN Charter Article 107 amid Russia-Japan tensions

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reminded Japan of Article 107 of the United Nations Charter, following heightened political tensions between the two countries.

The dispute intensified after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands, which are claimed by both Russia and Japan. Japan objected to the visit, but Lavrov described Japan’s reaction as inappropriate, saying it was unacceptable for Japan to criticize the Russian president’s visit to Russian territory.

Lavrov noted that Japan was originally designated as an enemy state in the UN Charter and only joined the organization after expressing regret for its wartime actions against several nations. He expressed hope that Japanese officials would thoroughly review the Charter, especially Article 107, before signing it.

Article 107 grants the Allied powers of World War II the authority to take any measures against enemy states, including Japan, without requiring UN approval.

By referencing this article, Russia aims to confront Japan with a new reality. However, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has stated that President Putin’s first visit to the disputed Kuril Islands is completely unacceptable.