Nikolay Nozdrev, Aug. 13 -- Russia's ambassador to Japan delivered a pointed verdict on Thursday: Tokyo, under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, has crossed from diplomatic distancing into what Moscow characterizes as active hostile participation in the Ukraine conflict. The evidence cited was commercial - a Japanese drone manufacturer's acquisition of controlling stakes in two Ukrainian drone producers - and it is commercial rather than military, which is precisely what makes it difficult for Japan to dismiss as unfounded.

the investment by Terra Drone, a Japanese unmanned aerial vehicle company, in Ukrainian drone manufacturers, and Japan's participation in NATO programs providing military aid to Kiev.

"We view all of this as clearly hos...