Putin Makes First Trip to Disputed Kuril Islands; Japan Lodges Protest

Russian President Vladimir Putin made his inaugural visit to the Kuril Islands on Thursday, a Pacific archipelago under Russian control but also claimed by Japan. The trip immediately drew a formal protest from Tokyo.

During his visit to Iturup, one of the chain's southernmost islands, Putin toured a fish processing plant, a hospital, and a school. He also spoke with local residents and held a meeting with Valery Limarenko, the governor of Russia's Sakhalin region.

The dispute over the islands dates back to the final days of World War II, when Soviet forces seized the four southernmost islands from Japan. Japan refers to these territories as the Northern Territories and asserts that they are its inherent territory, both historically and under international law.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi issued a statement saying his country "strongly protests" the visit to Iturup, which Japan calls Etorofu. The two nations have never signed a formal peace treaty due to the unresolved territorial dispute, and decades of diplomatic efforts have failed to yield a settlement.

Moscow has in recent years strengthened its military presence on the islands, a move seen as underscoring its firm position. This is not the first time a senior Russian official has visited the territory; Japan also protested in 2021 when Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin traveled to Iturup.

Putin's visit comes amid a broader tour of Russia's Far East and Siberia. Prior to arriving on Iturup, he stopped on Sakhalin Island to observe the concluding phase of Pacific Fleet military exercises.