Kuril Islands

Japan PM Takaichi condemned Putin's visit to the disputed Kuril Islands as 'absolutely unacceptable'. Japan protested Vladimir Putin’s first visit, which escalated tensions over territory claimed by both Tokyo and Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted a visit to the Kuril Islands, an archipelago that is also claimed by Japan, prompting a strong diplomatic protest from Tokyo. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that the Northern Territories are inherently Japanese territory both historically and under international law. The dispute regarding the islands' status remains unresolved despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to the Kuril Islands, an island chain controlled by Russia but claimed by Japan, which drew protests from Tokyo. The dispute centers on the four southernmost islands, known as the Northern Territories and called Etorofu (Iturup) Island by residents. During his visit, Putin stated that while the current status is enshrined in international documents, Russia remains prepared to seek a solution with Japan toward concluding a peace treaty.

Japan is protesting Russian military drills near the disputed Kuril Islands. The drills, announced by Russia’s Defense Ministry, involve dozens of warships and aircraft, as well as more than 13,000 servicemen.