러시아, 일본 거든 미국에 “역사수정주의 동조말라”…‘쿠릴 갈등’ 점입가경

The recent visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Russian Far East's Kuril Islands has sparked a diplomatic conflict with Japan over territorial disputes. The U.S. has expressed concerns over Japan's claims of sovereignty over the islands, leading Russia to accuse the U.S. of supporting Japan's "expansionist" stance. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgy Gref criticized the U.S. diplomat's statement, asserting that the Kuril Islands have been part of Russia since the end of World War II, as per the Yalta Agreement and the UN Charter.

The islands, comprising 56 volcanic islands, were ceded to Japan in 1855 under the Treaty of Portsmouth, but were returned to Russia in 1945 after the war ended. Japan has since refused to recognize the territory's inclusion in Russia's post-war borders. The conflict has escalated after Putin's visit to the islands, with Japan's Prime Minister Kishida criticizing Putin's visit as a setback to bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Russia has summoned the Japanese ambassador and reiterated its claims to the islands. The visit comes at a time when Russia is preparing for a general election, and the confrontation with Japan serves as a political tactic to demonstrate Russian strength as the nation's war with Ukraine enters its fifth year.