Putin visit to disputed islands 'unacceptable': Japan PM

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril islands, stating it is unacceptable and goes against Japan's consistent position on the Northern Territories. Takaichi called the visit offensive to the Japanese people and absolutely unacceptable. The Kuril islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories, were seized by the Soviet Union in 1945 and are claimed by both Japan and Russia.

The dispute between the two nations has long been a source of tensions. Japan's Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, reiterated the government's strong protest over the visit. Relations between Russia and Japan have deteriorated since the start of the full-scale conflict in Ukraine in 2022, with Japan joining other G7 countries in sanctions against Russia and providing aid to Kyiv.

Japan views Russia as a major threat and has identified it as such. The recent joint military exercises between Russia, China, and North Korea have further strained relations with Japan.