Putin visits Russian-controlled Etorofu Island claimed by Japan

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin embarked on his inaugural visit to Etorofu Island, a Russian-administered territory claimed by Japan. The Japanese government strongly condemned Putin's visit, deeming it "totally unacceptable" amid strained relations stemming from Moscow's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the Northern Territories, as they are known in Japan, are an integral part of Japanese territory both historically and under international law.

Tokyo summoned the Russian ambassador and lodged a strong protest over Putin's visit, urging the envoy to convey Japan's concerns to the Russian government.

Russian officials maintain that the island chain, comprising Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and the Habomai islet group, was lawfully annexed by the Soviet Union following Japan's surrender in World War II. Putin's visit to Etorofu Island included stops at a fish-processing plant, hospital and school, during which he met with local residents.

The trip, which comes nearly four-and-a-half years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, appears to signal Moscow's unwillingness to make territorial concessions, including to Japan, which has long called for the return of the disputed islands. The territorial dispute has prevented the two countries from signing a peace treaty following World War II.

The United States has recognized Japan's sovereignty over the Northern Territories, strongly opposing any action that undermines peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The visit by Putin is seen as a display of Russia's refusal to yield to Japan's demands for the islands' return.