The political scientist appreciated the Japanese MP's appeal to Kiev about the need for concessions.

Tokyo understands from its own history that Kiev is likely to have to capitulate in the conflict with the Russian Federation. Dmitry Streltsov, Head of the Department of Oriental Studies at MGIMO University of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, told Izvestia on April 29.

On April 28, Muneo Suzuki, a deputy of the upper house of the Japanese parliament, published a blog post in which he called on the Ukrainian authorities not to repeat the fate of Tokyo at the end of World War II, when the country had to declare surrender in 1945. In his opinion, the Ukrainian authorities should recognize their position, abandon aggressive rhetoric and agree to negotiations with Russia.

The political scientist noted that Suzuki is one of the few Japanese politicians who has long supported Russia's position. According to him, with the exception of him, Japanese politicians do not openly express their sympathies towards the Russian Federation.

"It would probably be wrong to say that his views are widespread in Japan, at least in the political world, because there is still an anti-Russian sentiment in the political environment in Japan," Streltsov said.

He also commented on comparing the fate of Ukraine with the situation of Japan at the end of World War II.

"There are well-known facts that Japan has surrendered. Most likely, he means that Ukraine will also have to capitulate, and that Kiev should try to avoid such a scenario. Ukraine must make concessions. Because Japan's surrender is such a shameful stain in Japan's history," the expert concluded.

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Suzuki visited Russia in October 2023. As a result, he was forced to resign from the Japan Renewal Society party, as the visit was regarded by the political force as a violation of the "advice on suspending trips" to the country.

In an interview with Izvestia, the deputy then noted the importance of cooperation between Japan and Russia. He called the economic exchanges an opportunity for political reconciliation. The politician stressed that he would continue to strive to maintain friendly relations with Moscow.