Japan has lodged a strong diplomatic protest after Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, a move that has reignited longstanding territorial tensions between the two countries.
According to reports by British media, citing Russian state media, Putin visited Iturup Island, the largest of the disputed islands. Japan refers to the island as Etorofu and claims it as part of its Northern Territories.
The Soviet Union seized control of the Kuril Islands during the final stages of World War II, and the territorial dispute has remained unresolved ever since. The disagreement has prevented Russia and Japan from signing a formal peace treaty to officially conclude the war.
In a statement, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described Putin’s visit as “completely unacceptable,” saying it had deeply hurt the feelings of the Japanese people and further intensified negative public sentiment toward Russia.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi reiterated that the Kuril Islands are an integral part of Japan’s sovereign territory under international law and historical agreements. He confirmed that Tokyo had formally protested Moscow’s latest move through diplomatic channels.
The Kuril Islands hold significant strategic and military importance for Russia. Iturup Island hosts a major military airbase, and Moscow has substantially expanded its military infrastructure across the archipelago in recent years.
Japan has also repeatedly expressed concern over joint naval patrols and military exercises conducted by Russia and China in the region, viewing them as a growing challenge to regional security.
Analysts say Putin’s visit is likely to further strain already fragile relations between Moscow and Tokyo, adding another layer of tension to one of Northeast Asia’s longest-running territorial disputes.
Source: British media; Russian state media.