Photo/Illutration Upper House member Muneo Suzuki meets reporters in the Diet building on Oct. 5. (Koichi Ueda)

Upper House member Muneo Suzuki of Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party) told a Russian state news agency that he believes Moscow will emerge victorious in its war with Ukraine, it has been learned.

“While a special military operation is continuing, Russia will win, and Russia will not yield to Ukraine,” Suzuki said in an interview with the Sputnik news agency.

“Without any concern and with 100 percent confidence, I believe in and understand Russia’s future and its tomorrow.”

Sputnik distributed a footage of Suzuki’s interview early on Oct. 4. It said the video was taken as a message to its readers.

Suzuki, who was born in Hokkaido and has long been involved in Japan-Russia issues, visited Russia from Oct. 1 to 5 and met with Russian deputy foreign ministers Andrey Rudenko and Mikhail Galuzin.

His visit has infuriated Nippon Ishin leaders.

“It is unacceptable to repeat what Russia says,” a senior party member said.

Suzuki told reporters in Tokyo on Oct. 5 that he had told the Russian side that the best option is a ceasefire with Ukraine.

Nippon Ishin decided at a board meeting on Oct. 6 to severely punish Suzuki, including the possibility of expulsion, for visiting Russia without prior notification to the party.

The board left the punishment up to party chief Nobuyuki Baba and other leaders.

Baba heard what Suzuki had to say on Oct. 5.

Nippon Ishin requires party lawmakers to report an overseas travel plan in advance. Suzuki’s side informed the party of his trip to Russia after he left Japan.

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