Putin visits disputed Japanese island, prompting strong rebuke from Tokyo

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Etorofu Island, known as Iturup in Russia, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Japan. The island is part of the Kuril Islands chain, which Japan claims as its Northern Territories. This visit marks a significant escalation in the long-standing territorial dispute between the two nations.

In response to Putin's visit, Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned the Russian ambassador to Japan, Nikolay Nozdrev. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi condemned the visit as "completely unacceptable," emphasizing that the islands are historically and legally Japanese territory. She stated that Putin's actions are incompatible with Japan's long-held position.

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This is completely unacceptable.

The dispute over the Kuril Islands dates back to the final days of World War II when the Soviet Union seized them from Japan. This unresolved issue remains a primary reason why Japan and Russia have never signed a formal peace treaty. Before the Soviet occupation, approximately 17,000 Japanese residents lived on the islands; today, about 20,000 Russian citizens reside there.

Putin's visit included touring a hospital, meeting local residents, and sampling caviar at a processing plant. He also visited the nearby Russian island of Sakhalin, where he observed Russian naval exercises. Putin asserted that the disputed islands are recognized as Russian territory in international documents. Relations between Moscow and Tokyo have further deteriorated since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, leading Japan to impose sanctions on Russian officials and institutions.

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The disputed islands are recognized as Russian territory in international documents.