Putin Meets Akie Abe, Emphasizes Personal Diplomacy

On May 29 at the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Akie Abe, widow of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, to honor her late husband's efforts to improve Russian-Japanese relations. Putin expressed deep gratitude for Abe's pursuit of a peace treaty and resolution of the Southern Kuril Islands dispute, but acknowledged that ongoing sanctions and geopolitical tensions make such progress currently impossible. The meeting was marked by symbolic gestures, including Putin presenting flowers and inviting Akie Abe to a ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre, which moved her to tears. Akie Abe highlighted the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges, calling Russia a vital neighbor for Japan despite strained diplomatic ties. Both leaders avoided political confrontations, instead focusing on shared memories and enduring personal connections. Negotiations between the nations remain suspended amid international sanctions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.