Russia Summons Japanese Envoy Over Kuril Islands Dispute (2026-08-18)
Russia summoned Japan's ambassador to protest criticism of Putin's trip to the Kuril Islands, a territory both countries claim.
Russia's Foreign Ministry summoned the Japanese ambassador to Moscow on Tuesday to lodge a formal protest over Tokyo's condemnation of President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to the Kuril Islands, a Pacific archipelago controlled by Russia but also claimed by Japan.
Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin met with Ambassador Akira Muto to protest what Moscow called "anti-Russia" statements from Japanese leaders. Galuzin reiterated that Russia's sovereignty over the southern Kuril Islands is "absolutely unshakable," asserting that the territories were transferred to the Soviet Union following World War II under agreements with the Allied Powers and the U.N. Charter.
Last week, Putin visited Iturup, one of the four southernmost islands in the chain, which Japan refers to as its Northern Territories. Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the visit "absolutely unacceptable" and said it was incompatible with Japan's position on the islands. She also noted the trip further strained ties already damaged by Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi issued a "strong protest" over the visit, reiterating that the islands are Japan's inherent territory both historically and under international law.
The ministry said Galuzin warned that Moscow reserves the right to take countermeasures given Tokyo's adherence to Western sanctions and its support for Ukraine.
The territorial dispute has prevented the two nations from signing a formal peace treaty ending World War II hostilities. Decades of diplomatic efforts have failed to resolve the issue, and Russia has strengthened its military presence on the islands in recent years.
Putin, speaking last week aboard a warship during Pacific drills, noted that Moscow had previously developed constructive relations with Japan, including with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. However, he said Japan's sanctions and its designation of Russia as a primary threat changed that dynamic. He added that Russia remains ready to cooperate with all its neighbours, including Japan.