Moscow—Russia’s Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, who is also a former prime minister, said it would be impossible to discuss the issue of Northern Territories with Japan. He cited last year’s constitutional revision as the reason. “We are running out of topics for discussion in peace treaty negotiations with Japan,” he said in an interview he gave to Interfax and other Russian media. The comment was disclosed to the public on Feb. 1.

“Russia’s stance has become clear under the Constitution. We have no right to conduct negotiations that involve transferring the sovereignty of Russian territories,” said Medvedev.