Putin in a dispute with Japan over the visit to the Kuril Islands

The Japanese government has expressed its strong protest regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands, which are claimed by both countries. These islands, referred to as the Northern Territories by Japan, are named the Southern Kuril Islands by Russia, and a long-standing dispute exists between the two countries over these islands since their occupation by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II.

In response to this visit, Japan's Foreign Minister took steps to summon the Russian ambassador, and the Japanese Prime Minister emphasized that Putin's action was unacceptable.

Japanese authorities, pointing out that these islands located near Japan are historically and according to international law part of Japan, state that the Russian leader's visit contradicts Japan's stance. Japanese television channels broadcast footage of Putin inspecting a hospital on Etorofu Island and meeting local residents. Japanese nationals who previously resided on these islands also condemned Putin's visit to these islands, which are under Russian control.

This island group holds significant strategic importance due to its rich fishing industry and mineral resources. Currently, about twenty thousand Russians reside on these islands, and due to the dispute that arose when the Soviet Union declared war on Japan in 1945, the two countries have not yet been able to sign an official peace treaty. Although there was some agreement between the two countries during the time of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, relations between the two countries deteriorated again due to the sanctions imposed by Japan on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. The Russian President has criticized Japan's territorial claims, stating that this visit is not an escalation of sanctions and that Russia is not a threat to Japan.