In a move that could further delay the signing of a peace treaty between the two countries, Russia has rejected starting talks with Japan on the return of two disputed islands despite an agreement made last year, diplomatic sources said Sunday.
Russia is concerned that a falling support rate for President Vladimir Putin may drop further if it cedes two of the four contested islands off Hokkaido, the sources said.
Moscow has been reluctant to return the islands, saying the presence of U.S. military forces in Japan remains a threat.