Russian President Vladimir Putin told local media he will adhere to the country's constitution, which was revised last year to bar the transfer of territory to a foreign power, indicating Moscow will not engage Tokyo in negotiations over the nations' long-running territorial dispute.

But in his remarks, aired on a state-run television channel Sunday but made last Wednesday, Putin added he wants to "develop" ties with Japan despite his pledge to not "do anything that runs counter" to the constitution.

It was the first time the Russian leader publicly indicated he will not respond to Tokyo's claims on four Russian-held islands based on constitutional amendments approved by a vote in July that include clauses banning the cession of territory.