MOSCOW, Aug 13: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday made his first visit to Iturup, one of the southernmost Kuril Islands claimed by Japan, prompting a strong protest from Tokyo and highlighting the long-running territorial dispute between the two countries.
During his visit, Putin toured a fish-processing facility, a hospital and a school, interacted briefly with local residents and met Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko.
Japan claims the four southernmost islands of the Kuril chain, which it refers to as the Northern Territories. The Soviet Union seized the islands from Japan in the closing days of World War II, and the dispute has prevented the two countries from signing a formal peace treaty to end their wartime hostilities.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi strongly protested Putin’s visit to Iturup, known as Etorofu in Japan, saying Tokyo considers the Northern Territories to be Japan’s inherent territory both historically and under international law.
Japan had similarly protested a 2021 visit to Iturup by then-Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Russia, meanwhile, has strengthened its military presence across the Kuril Islands over the years, reinforcing its position on the disputed territory.
Putin, who has been touring Russia’s Siberian and Far Eastern regions, visited Sakhalin Island before travelling to Iturup. He also attended the concluding phase of Pacific Fleet military exercises.
Speaking aboard a warship involved in the drills, Putin said the current status of the Kuril Islands was reflected in international documents following the outcome of World War II. He nevertheless said Moscow remained open to finding a solution with Japan aimed at concluding a peace treaty.
Putin also recalled his previous engagement with Japanese leaders, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whom he credited with efforts to improve Russia-Japan relations.
Relations between Moscow and Tokyo have deteriorated sharply since Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine in 2022, with Japan joining Western sanctions against Russia.
Despite the tensions, Putin said Russia remained willing to cooperate with its neighbours, including Japan and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
