Russia's Putin visits Japan-claimed islands for first time; Tokyo protests
Putin’s first personal trip to the Kuril chain included a fish plant visit after Pacific Fleet drills and renewed Japan’s protest over the disputed islands.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup Island, part of the disputed Kuril Islands claimed by Japan, marking his first visit and prompting strong protests from Tokyo.
- The Kuril Islands were seized by the Soviet Union after Japan's World War II surrender, and Japan demands their return as part of a peace treaty that has yet to be signed.
- Putin toured a fish-processing plant, hospital, and school on Iturup during a wider trip that included Pacific Fleet navy drills in Russia's Far East.
- Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, condemned the visit, affirming the islands' historical and legal status as Japanese territory and describing the visit as unacceptable.
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205 Articles
Putin's visit is perceived as both a symbolic mark and a threat in Japan.
Putin visits disputed island near Japan, drawing Tokyo’s ire | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
TOKYO >> Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a disputed island close to Japan today prompting a strong condemnation from Tokyo, which said his actions had made any improvement of relations between the countries difficult.
For the first time Vladimir Putin shows himself on the Kurils, can be performed tuna and drone lessons. Tokyo calls the visit "absolutely unacceptable".
With his trip to the controversial group of islands, the Russian president demonstrates geopolitical determination. Putin's return to the Russian province after months in Moscow, however, also has domestic political reasons.
Japan condemns Putin’s visit to Kuril Islands: What is the dispute about?
Putin visited Iturup, one of the southern Kuril Islands, on Thursday (August 13). Japan claims the island, which it calls Etorofu, as part of its Northern Territories. Tokyo described the visit as “absolutely unacceptable” and formally protested to Russia.
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