Fact Check: Russian ambassador to Japan attends Nagasaki A-bomb ceremony for first time since Ukraine invasion

Fact Check: Russian Ambassador to Japan Attends Nagasaki A-bomb Ceremony for First Time Since Ukraine Invasion

What We Know

The claim that the Russian ambassador to Japan attended the Nagasaki A-bomb ceremony for the first time since the Ukraine invasion is supported by multiple sources. According to Kyodo News, Nikolay Nozdrev, the Russian ambassador, is set to attend the annual peace ceremony on August 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. This marks the first attendance of a Russian envoy at this event since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Prior to this, Russia and Belarus had not been invited to the ceremony since 2022, as noted by AP News.

The Nagasaki ceremony is a significant annual event that commemorates the victims of the atomic bombing and promotes peace. The decision to invite the Russian ambassador appears to be a notable shift in diplomatic relations, especially given the context of ongoing tensions due to the Ukraine conflict.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is derived from reliable news sources, including Kyodo News and Japan Times, which are known for their coverage of international events and diplomatic relations. Both sources confirm that this will be the first time a Russian ambassador has attended the Nagasaki ceremony since the invasion of Ukraine, providing a clear timeline and context for the event.

However, while the information is corroborated by multiple outlets, the potential motivations behind this diplomatic gesture are not fully explored in the sources. The invitation to the Russian ambassador could be interpreted in various ways, including a desire for reconciliation or a strategic move amidst changing geopolitical dynamics.

Furthermore, the absence of Russian representation at previous ceremonies since 2022 highlights the complexities of international relations in the context of the Ukraine conflict. The sources do not provide insights into the reactions from other nations or the implications of this attendance for Japan-Russia relations.

Conclusion

Needs Research. While the claim that the Russian ambassador attended the Nagasaki A-bomb ceremony for the first time since the Ukraine invasion is supported by credible sources, further research is needed to understand the broader implications of this attendance. The motivations behind the invitation, the reactions from other countries, and the potential impact on diplomatic relations warrant deeper investigation.

Fact Check: Russian ambassador to Japan attends Nagasaki A-bomb ceremony for first time since Ukraine invasion