Japan's Ambassador Summoned to Russian Foreign Ministry Amid Kuril Islands Tensions

Japan's ambassador to Russia has been summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow announced, following a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Kuril Islands that reignited a territorial dispute between the two nations.

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crossed the boundaries of decency

The relationship between Russia and Japan has been strained by a dispute over four of these islands, which were occupied by the Soviet army in the final days of World War II. Japan claims sovereignty over them, while Russia considers them part of its territory.

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I summoned the Japanese ambassador

President Putin's visit to the islands last week provoked Japan's anger, leading Tokyo to summon the Russian ambassador. Moscow retaliated by summoning the Japanese ambassador, Akira Muto. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Japanese authorities had "crossed the boundaries of decency" in criticizing Putin's visit.

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Either because he was not in Moscow, or because he felt unwell, we didn't quite understand the reason

Lavrov added that the Japanese ambassador was expected to discuss "the behavior of the Japanese authorities" and his mission. Initially, Tokyo responded that the ambassador could not come immediately, citing reasons such as not being in Moscow or feeling unwell. However, after Lavrov's remarks, the Japanese ambassador "suddenly felt better and will go to the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday," according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

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suddenly felt better and will go to the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday