Russia summons Japan ambassador over disputed islands row

Russia summoned Japan's ambassador to Moscow after Tokyo lodged a protest against President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to the Kuril Islands. These islands are a long-standing point of contention between the two nations, known as the Northern Territories in Japan and seized by the Soviet Union in 1945.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Japanese officials had "crossed the line of decency" in their criticism of Putin's trip. The Japanese ambassador, Akira Muto, was initially reported as unavailable to attend the summons, with Russian officials expressing confusion over his whereabouts. However, he was later expected to attend.

Lavrov indicated that the summons was intended to address the conduct of the Japanese leadership and the expected behavior of ambassadors in their host countries. This diplomatic exchange underscores the persistent tensions over the disputed territories.

The relationship between Japan and Russia has significantly worsened since the full-scale conflict in Ukraine erupted in 2022. Japan has aligned with other G7 nations in imposing sanctions against Russia and providing financial and non-lethal defense aid to Ukraine.

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crossed the line of decency