TOKYO—As the U.S. presses tight sanctions on Moscow, it might seem quixotic for one of America’s staunchest allies to seek closer ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But that is the balancing act Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is trying to pull off.
Wall Street Journal: US ally Japan pursues Russian friendship
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) shakes hands with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida before their meeting at the foreign ministry's Iikura guest house in Tokyo on April 15.
