Putin visits disputed Kuril Islands amid Russia-Japan tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to the disputed Kuril Islands on Thursday, intensifying diplomatic tensions with Japan. The trip to Iturup Island, part of the four-island chain claimed by Tokyo as the Northern Territories, follows Putin's oversight of Russian Pacific Fleet military exercises. Russia has controlled the archipelago since the end of World War II, but Japan maintains its claim over the southern islands. These territorial disputes have prevented a formal peace treaty between the two nations, leaving them technically in a state of conflict since the war. Bilateral relations significantly worsened after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In response to Japanese sanctions, Moscow withdrew from peace treaty negotiations and suspended joint economic projects. Japan continues to support Ukraine and participates in G7 measures against Russia. Moscow, in turn, has adopted a firm stance, stating that bilateral dialogue has been significantly reduced due to Tokyo's "unfriendly" policies. During his visit, Putin inspected a local fish processing plant and reiterated Russia's rejection of Japan's territorial claims.