Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited Iturup, one of the Kuril Islands claimed by Japan, in what state media described as his first in-person trip to the disputed island chain. The visit has prompted a strong protest from Tokyo .
What Happened
Russian state news agency TASS reported that Putin visited Iturup on Thursday, a day after major naval drills in Russia’s far east . During the trip, Putin visited the Yasny fish-processing plant on the island and was shown speaking with locals and sampling fish roe .
Japan’s Protest
Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi issued a statement on X, saying the islands are “inherently Japanese territory both historically and based on international law” and that Japan “strongly protests this visit” . The four islands are known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia .
Background of the Dispute
Moscow and Tokyo never signed a formal World War Two peace treaty, with the unresolved territorial dispute over the islands being the main hurdle . At the end of World War Two, the Soviet Union annexed the island chain and deported around 17,000 Japanese residents .
Japan maintains that the Northern Territories—consisting of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and the Habomai islets—were “illegally” seized by the Soviet Union after Japan’s surrender in 1945 . Russia, which administers the islands, argues the seizure was legitimate and its sovereignty is not up for debate .
Putin’s Remarks
Speaking about the islands, Putin noted that Moscow had constructive relations with Tokyo on the issue during former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration. “Now we see, unfortunately, changes in positions which, I emphasize, were not provoked in any way on our part,” he said .
Regional Context
The visit follows a ballistic missile firing by North Korea on Wednesday, days ahead of major joint military exercises by Seoul and Washington . Russia also held Pacific Fleet drills involving approximately 60 surface ships, submarines, and support vessels, as well as over 13,000 service members .
What’s Next
Bilateral ties between Russia and Japan remain frosty, with Japan imposing sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine conflict . The dispute over the islands continues to prevent a formal peace treaty between the two countries .
Conclusion
Putin’s visit to Iturup marks a significant moment in the long-standing territorial dispute between Russia and Japan. With Tokyo lodging a strong protest and Moscow maintaining its position, the prospects for resolving the disagreement and signing a formal peace treaty remain remote.
