Putin counters Japan’s assertive new defense policy with visit to disputed Kuril islands – ISW
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands, whose occupation by Russia Japan disputes, for the first time on August 13, likely in response to the more assertive defense policy Japan has recently adopted, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on August 13.
Russian President Vladimir Putin journeyed to the Kuril Islands on August 13, reportedly in response to Japan's increasingly aggressive defense policy, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The Japanese Ministry of Defense released its Defense White Paper on the same day, identifying Russia as a major security threat.
The visit to Iturup, the largest of the disputed islands, aimed to undermine Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's efforts to bolster the nation's defense capabilities, ISW analysts noted. Putin's statement on the necessity of securing Russia's borders and territories resonated as he made his arrival during military drills in Sakhalin the day prior.
He claimed Russia had no territorial disputes with Japan but accused the Japanese government of challenging Russia's interests. Russian Pacific Fleet Commander Viktor Liina echoed Putin's remarks, criticizing Japan's defense policies and expenditures. The Kremlin's response to Japan's Defense White Paper came amid China's vehement criticism of Tokyo's new defense policy, accusing it of stoking tensions and using it as a pretext to militarize.
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