Putin's visit to disputed Kuril Islands sparks row between Russia and Japan | What we know

Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first-ever visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, sparking a diplomatic row with Japan. The islands, located in the Far East region, are a chain of four islands - Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai - which were annexed by the Soviet Union following World War II. Japan claims these islands as its Northern Territories, while Russia maintains control over them.

During his visit, Putin reportedly toured a fish-processing plant on Iturup Island. However, this visit has further strained relations between Russia and Japan, whose ties have deteriorated since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in 2022. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi strongly protested Putin's visit, stating that the Northern Territories are Japan's inherent territory based on historical and legal perspectives.

The visit also marks Putin's commitment to visit the islands, as he had promised in 2024. Despite Russia's persistent claim over the Kuril Islands, which is supported by international documents, the dispute remains unresolved, adding to the already strained ties between the two neighboring nations.