Russia summons Japanese envoy after Takaichi protests Putin’s visit to Etorofu
The island off the east coast of Hokkaido is one of four held by Russia that are known as the Northern Territories in Japan.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov summoned the Japanese Ambassador to Moscow, Akira Muto, following Japan's protest over Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Etorofu, a disputed island off Hokkaido. The island, also known as the Northern Territories in Japan, is held by Russia and claimed by Tokyo. The visit, which was Putin's first to any of the disputed islands, sparked outrage in Japan.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed their disapproval of Putin's actions. Russia's state-run news agency, Tass, reported that Muto would respond to Lavrov's summons on Tuesday. However, the Japanese Embassy in Moscow stated that Muto could not attend the foreign ministry on the dates specified by the ministry without providing a clear reason.
Lavrov deemed the situation unacceptable and a clear breach of protocol. He further stated that he would discuss the matter with Muto, including the proper conduct of ambassadors in the host country. Takaichi and others had protested Putin's visit to Etorofu, which came after Russia seized the four islands from Japan at the end of World War II.
On Wednesday, Putin inspected naval drills in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in the Russian Far East and claimed that international documents confirm the Kuril Islands, including the four islands, are Russian territory.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
