Putin Visits Disputed Kuril Island, Japan Lodges Strong Protest
President Putin's first visit to the disputed Kuril island of Iturup draws a strong protest from Japan, which claims the territory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made his first visit to the Kuril Islands, a Pacific archipelago controlled by Moscow but also claimed by Japan. The trip, which took him to the southern island of Iturup, immediately drew a formal protest from Tokyo.
During his working visit to the Sakhalin region, Putin toured a fish-processing plant, a hospital, and a school on Iturup. He also spoke with local residents and met with Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko. The visit included a stop aboard a warship participating in Pacific Fleet exercises, where the president observed naval maneuvers and addressed crew members.
Speaking on the ship, Putin acknowledged the complexity of the region's security situation. He stated that while the main objectives of a special military operation are being addressed, it remains a shared responsibility to ensure the security of the Russian state across all its borders and territories. He invited suggestions on additional steps to help personnel effectively tackle common challenges.
The Kuril Islands dispute has prevented Russia and Japan from signing a formal peace treaty after World War II. The Soviet Union seized the four southernmost islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan, in the final days of the conflict. Decades of diplomatic efforts have failed to resolve the impasse, and Moscow has strengthened its military presence in the region in recent years.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said his country strongly protests the visit, reiterating that the islands are Japan's inherent territory both historically and under international law. Japan also protested a similar visit by Russia's Prime Minister in 2021.
Putin noted that the current status of the islands is enshrined in international documents as a reality following World War II. He added that Russia had previously been prepared to seek a solution to conclude a peace treaty with Japan, recalling constructive relations with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. However, he said Japan's position has changed since it imposed sanctions on Russia in 2022. Despite this, Putin affirmed Russia's readiness to cooperate with all its neighbors, including Japan.