Putin Visits Disputed Kuril Islands for First Time, Sparking Japanese Protest

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup, part of the disputed Kuril Islands claimed by Japan, marking his first in-person trip to the island chain, according to state media. The visit drew a strong protest from Tokyo, which refers to the territory as the Northern Territories.

Longstanding Territorial Dispute Resurfaces

Russia and Japan have never signed a formal peace treaty ending World War Two, largely due to the unresolved dispute over the islands. During his visit, Putin toured the Yasny fish-processing plant on Iturup, following his earlier oversight of major Russian naval drills in the country’s far east.

Japan Issues Formal Protest

Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi condemned the visit, stating that the northern territories, including Etorofu, are Japan’s rightful territory both historically and under international law. He confirmed Japan’s strong objection to Putin’s trip.

Visit Follows Regional Military Tensions

State television footage showed Putin observing fresh tuna and halibut while discussing local fishing practices, and he also sampled regional fish roe. The trip comes just a day after North Korea, a Russian ally, fired a ballistic missile toward waters off the Korean peninsula, ahead of planned joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.