Putin visits disputed Kuril Islands, sparking Japanese protest

Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited the Kuril Islands, a strategically vital archipelago in the Far East, marking his first state trip to the disputed territory. The visit has intensified long-standing territorial disputes between Russia and Japan, with Tokyo viewing the islands as an inherent part of its nation.

The Kuril Islands, comprising four main islands, Kunashir, Habomai, Shikotan, and Iturup, stretch over 1,100 kilometers between Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula and Japan's Hokkaido. Annexed by the Soviet Union in the final days of World War II, these islands are home to nearly 20,000 Russian citizens. Japan officially refers to them as its "Northern Territories" and has contested Russia's ownership for 77 years.

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totally unacceptable

Putin's visit, during which he observed military exercises by the Pacific Fleet in the Sakhalin region, has drawn sharp criticism from Japan. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida deemed the visit "totally unacceptable," and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a "vigorous protest." Russia, however, maintains its claim over the islands, citing their crucial geographical location and strategic importance.

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vigorous protest