Russia summons Japan ambassador over isle row, report says envoy to comply

Moscow (Kyodo) -- Russia summoned Japan's ambassador in the capital following Tokyo's strong protest over Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to the disputed Etorofu Island, Kyodo news reported. Ambassador Akira Muto is set to appear at the Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, according to a spokeswoman from the ministry.

Japanese Foreign Minister Sanae Takaichi had previously stated that the visit was unacceptable and hurt public sentiment in Japan, leading to the summons. Russia maintains that the seizure of the disputed islands by the Soviet Union post-World War II was legitimate, while Japan claims they were illegally taken. The ongoing territorial dispute has hindered Japan and Russia from signing a postwar peace treaty.

Putin's visit was his first as president and the first by a Russian leader since 2000, with then-President Dmitry Medvedev being the first Russian head of state to visit in 2010.