For decades, Putin has offered Japan a compromise on the Kuril Islands. So why, on his first visit to the islands this week, did he talk about Russians’ ‘genetic code of winners’ instead?
Since taking power, Vladimir Putin has pursued a peace treaty with Japan, asserting Russia’s sovereignty over the islands while saying he is willing to negotiate on the basis of the 1956 declaration. Japan and Russia have also developed economic ties, including in the Kuril Islands.
Vladimir Putin journeyed to the Kuril Islands this past week, marking his first visit. His trip came after a long-held pursuit of a peace treaty with Japan, offering to negotiate based on the 1956 declaration. Japan and Russia have fostered economic relationships, even in the disputed territory. During Dmitry Medvedev's presidency in 2010, a visit to the islands sparked protests in Japan.
As Meduza writes, Putin's return to the presidency prompted him to distance himself from a previous visit, claiming Russia aimed for an "acceptable compromise." Even with ongoing consultations and joint projects, Russia abruptly halted talks in 2022 amid its invasion of Ukraine. Following sanctions from Japan, Russia canceled visa-free access to the South Kuril Islands and reduced collaborative activities.
Recently, Putin reiterated his promise to visit the islands for the first time. However, he highlighted a peculiar claim - Russians possess the genetic code of winners.
Written by urgent.news from Meduza (English)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
