Russian Ambassador Mikhail Galuzin has criticized Japan's decision to expel eight Russians, including diplomats, over the conflict in Ukraine.

Japan's Foreign Ministry announced last Friday that it was expelling eight officials from the Russian embassy and trade representative office.

Galuzin said in an online interview with a Russian state-run TV station on Monday that the move goes against the spirit of bilateral relations. He added that such an unfriendly action cannot be overlooked, hinting at possible countermeasures.

Galuzin also sought to justify the Russian foreign ministry's announcement last month that it was suspending peace treaty negotiations with Japan.

The ambassador said the decision was made in response to a series of unfriendly measures that Japan had taken against Russia.

Tokyo has followed the US and Europe in imposing sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.