Japan Condemns Putin's Visit to Disputed Kuril Islands

Japan has expressed anger following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands, a territory claimed by both Tokyo and Moscow. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned the Russian ambassador, and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described Putin's actions as "absolutely unacceptable." Known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia, the islands were occupied by the Soviet Union in the final days of World War II, leading to an ongoing territorial dispute that has prevented a formal peace treaty between the two countries.

What Happened

During his visit, President Putin was shown on the island of Etorofu (Iturup in Russian), where he visited a hospital, met with residents, and sampled caviar at a processing plant. The Russian president also visited the nearby Russian island of Sakhalin, where he observed naval exercises. Putin stated that international documents recognize the four disputed islands as Russian territory and characterized Japan's recent sanctions against Russia as "unprovoked," asserting that Russia does not threaten Japan and that Japan has territorial claims against Russia.

Background

The dispute over the islands has persisted since the Soviet Union's declaration of war on Japan in August 1945, shortly before Tokyo's surrender. Approximately 17,000 Japanese formerly inhabited the islands, which are now home to around 20,000 Russian citizens. The island chain, comprising Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai islet group, is strategically important and offers access to rich fishing grounds and mineral resources. Previous efforts by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to reach an understanding with Putin on the territory, which included resuming visits by Japanese citizens to family graves, were complicated by Japan's imposition of sanctions on Moscow following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Key Facts

• Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands "absolutely unacceptable."
• Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned the Russian ambassador over the visit.
• The islands are claimed by both Japan (as the Northern Territories) and Russia (as the Southern Kurils).
• The Soviet Union seized the islands in the closing stages of World War II.
• Putin visited a hospital and a processing plant on Etorofu (Iturup) island.
• Approximately 17,000 Japanese formerly lived on the islands, which now house about 20,000 Russian citizens.
• The disputed islands include Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai islet group.
• Putin stated that international documents recognize the islands as Russian and called Japan's sanctions against Russia "unprovoked."
• Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had previously pursued an entente with Putin over the territory.
• Japan imposed sanctions on Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, souring bilateral relations.
• Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited Kunashiri island in 2010.