Putin Visits Disputed Kuril Islands, Sparking Japanese Protests

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the disputed Kuril Islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan, marking his first trip to the archipelago during his 22-year rule. The visit has drawn a strong protest from Japan, which claims sovereignty over the islands.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi condemned Putin's visit to Etorofu Island, one of the disputed islands, stating it was "absolutely unacceptable" and disregarded Japan's consistent position and hurt the feelings of the Japanese people. The Japanese Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador Nikolai Nozdrev to lodge a strong protest.

The Kremlin announced that Putin inspected the Russian Pacific Fleet and received reports on military exercises during his visit. Footage was released showing him visiting a seafood processing plant, a school, and a hospital on Etorofu Island, and engaging in casual conversation with local residents.

Analysts suggest Putin's visit is intended to emphasize his image as a leader unwilling to compromise on territorial issues. It is also interpreted as a veiled expression of displeasure with Japan's sanctions against Russia following the Ukraine war. Putin had previously voiced dissatisfaction with Japan's sanctions, calling them unilateral and based on a misunderstanding of the Ukraine conflict's root causes.

Japan has long claimed the four islands – Kunashiri, Etorofu, Shikotan, and the Habomai islets – since the end of World War II, when the Soviet Union occupied them. Russia has maintained effective control over the islands for over 80 years. Japan argues that while it ceded rights to the Kuril Islands in the post-war peace treaty, these four islands were not included. Prime Minister Takaichi reiterated Japan's commitment to resolving the territorial dispute and signing a peace treaty.