Japan protests against Putin visit to disputed islands

Japan expressed strong protest over Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril islands, marking the first time a Russian leader had entered the disputed territory. The island chain, claimed by both Russia and Japan, consists of four southernmost islands called the Northern Territories by Japan and administered by Russia.

Russian state media announced Putin's visit to Iturup, also recognized by Japan as Etorofu. Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi asserted that the islands belong inherently to Japan both historically and under international law, vehemently protesting the visit. The Kuril islands have been a bone of contention between the two nations for decades, hindering their ability to sign a peace treaty post-World War Two.

Positioned between Hokkaido, Japan, and Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, the islands were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1945 and the population of Japanese residents deported. During his visit, Putin tasted fish roe and conversed with local residents, as reported by Russian media. Despite numerous efforts to resolve the territorial dispute, progress has been minimal.

Bilateral relations have remained tense, exacerbated by Japan's sanctions on Russia post its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Japan has previously protested against visits by Russian officials to the disputed islands, including former Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. Strategically significant for Russia, Russia has significantly increased its military presence on the islands over the past decade, with Iturup serving as its primary military air base in the region.

Recently, Chinese and Russian naval warships conducted a joint patrol in a strait between the Kuril islands. Russia also conducts regular military drills near the islands, which has drawn criticism from Japan.