Putin Makes First Visit to Disputed Kuril Islands Amid Protests From Japan

President Vladimir Putin visited Russia's disputed Kuril Islands for the first time on Thursday, sparking protests from Japan, which lays claim to the same territory. The visit has strained Russia-Japan relations, already tense due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russian media reported that Putin toured a fish-processing plant on one of the four main islands, receiving caviar.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described Putin's visit as "offensive to the sentiments of the Japanese people" and damaging for future relations. Japan's Foreign Minister summoned Russia's ambassador to lodge a strong protest, warning that it would have a "strongly negative impact" on ties, given the ongoing Ukrainian conflict and sanctions imposed on Russia.

The disputed islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan, have been under Russian control since the Soviet Union took them in 1945. The islands, located north of Hokkaido, are mineral-rich and host a small Russian population.