Tokyo issues angry response as Putin makes his first visit to the disputed Kuril islands
The four contested islands, seized by Russia during World War II, have gained importance since the end of the conflict, providing strategic military bases to the Kremlin, coupled with their rich mineral deposits and fishing grounds.
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to the Kuril Islands, a territory claimed by both Russia and Japan. This move prompted a "strong" protest from Japan, which also lays claim to the islands known in Japan as the Northern Territories. The Kuril Islands, located between Russia's Kamchatka peninsula and Japan's Hokkaido island, have been a source of tension between the two nations since the Soviet Union took control of them from Japan at the end of World War II in 1945.
Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi strongly objected to Putin's visit, stating that the Northern Territories are an inherent part of Japan's territory both historically and under international law. The Soviet Union maintained a military presence on the islands ever since their occupation.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
