Japan, Germany dismiss Russia's military criticism

During a UN Security Council meeting, Russia's UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya criticized the 'remilitarization' of Japan and Germany, calling it a threat to global security and a reversal of World War II outcomes. Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova further warned Japan against deploying US missile systems, viewing it as a direct threat to Russia's eastern borders. In response, Japan's UN ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki dismissed Russia's criticism as 'ridiculous,' asserting that Japan's military buildup is a defensive response to a severe security environment and not directed against any specific country. Kazuyuki Yamazaki also accused Russia of violating the UN Charter through its ongoing aggression against Ukraine. Germany's minister of state for Europe, Gunther Krichbaum, echoed Japan's stance, calling Russia's accusations 'unjustified.' Both Germany and Japan are expanding their military capabilities, with Germany citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Japan citing concerns over China's growing power.