Putin's Kuril Islands Visit Sparks Row, Russia Calls Japan 'Arrogant'

Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, which Japan calls the Northern Territories, has escalated tensions between Moscow and Tokyo. Russia's Foreign Ministry swiftly criticized Japan's reaction, with spokesperson Maria Zakharova calling it "arrogant" for Japanese officials to dictate where the Russian president can travel within his own country. Russia maintains that the islands, occupied by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II, are legally Russian territory, citing the San Francisco Peace Treaty where Japan relinquished claims.

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Japanese high officials have reached the point of arrogantly dictating to the Russian leadership where the head of state can and cannot travel within Russia.

Japan, however, argues that the four islands in question, Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai islets, are not part of the Kuril Islands that Japan ceded in the treaty. This territorial dispute has long been a stumbling block in normalizing relations between the two nations. Putin's unannounced visit, his first to the islands during his 22-year tenure, breaks with his previous approach of maintaining distance from the sovereignty issue.

Analysts suggest Putin's visit carries multiple messages. It could be an attempt to rally domestic support by highlighting a World War II "trophy" amid uncertainties surrounding the war in Ukraine and upcoming Russian parliamentary elections. The visit also serves as a strong warning to Japan, which has imposed economic sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Russia has designated Japan as an "unfriendly country" in response.

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Legally, these islands are an inseparable part of Russia, just like all other Kuril Islands. There is no doubt that sovereignty and jurisdiction belong to Russia.

The visit places Japan in a difficult position. It brings the long-dormant territorial dispute to the forefront and complicates Japan's efforts to secure energy supplies from Russia amidst global shortages. Japanese officials, including Sanae Takaichi, who directly criticized Putin's visit as "unacceptable," are now grappling with how to respond. The Yomiuri Shimbun noted internal discussions within the Japanese government about a "calm response" after understanding Putin's message, but acknowledged that the Prime Minister's direct criticism has dimmed prospects for improving bilateral relations.

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President Putin's message to his own people is to emphasize the victory in World War II and achieve unity in a situation where the end of the Ukraine war is uncertain.