Japan denies espionage as Russia detains journalist in Sakhalin

Russia has detained Hokkaido Shimbun correspondent Yuki Imai in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, prompting Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi to deny any espionage activity. The detention signals heightened bilateral tensions, with Japan unable to contact the journalist. This is a notable escalation in Russia-Japan friction, potentially affecting diplomatic and economic ties.