Putin visits disputed Kurils for first time since taking power, drawing protest

Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to the Kuril Islands since assuming power, triggering an aggressive response from Japan. The disputed territories, also known as the Northern Territories, are claimed by both Russia and Japan. Kyodo News reported Japan's strong protest over the trip, with Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi asserting that the four Northern Territories belong to Japan both historically and under international law.

Tensions escalated after Russia withdrew from negotiations and froze joint economic projects involving the Kuril Islands in response to Japan's participation in Western sanctions imposed due to Russia's war in Ukraine. On March 26, Russia initiated military exercises on the islands, further exacerbating the situation. Japan referred to the Kuril Islands as an "inherent territory" under illegal occupation, emphasizing that the islands have been a long-standing subject of territorial dispute between the two nations.

Russia's occupation of the Japanese territories began in 1945 following World War II, and they have remained under Russian control ever since.