Japan condemns Putin’s Kuril visit
Tensions between Japan and Russia have resurfaced after Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled to one of the disputed islands claimed by both countries, prompting a formal protest from Tokyo.
Japanese officials condemned the visit to Iturup Island, known in Japan as Etorofu, arguing that the territory remains part of Japan despite being administered by Russia. Tokyo maintains that the islands are historically and legally Japanese territory and says Moscow’s actions undermine its position on the long-running dispute.
The visit marks Putin’s first known trip to the contested island chain, which has remained a source of friction between the two neighbours since the end of World War II.
The disagreement centres on four islands at the southern end of the Kuril chain. The Soviet Union took control of the territory in the closing stages of the war, leading to the displacement of thousands of Japanese residents. Since then, efforts to settle the dispute have repeatedly stalled.
Because of the unresolved territorial issue, Russia and Japan have never concluded a formal peace treaty to officially end hostilities from World War II.
According to Russian state media, Putin met local residents during the trip and toured parts of the island, which is considered strategically important to Moscow. Iturup hosts a major Russian military facility and forms part of a region where Russia has steadily expanded its defence presence over the past decade.
The visit comes at a time when relations between the two countries remain strained. Japan joined Western sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, further complicating diplomatic ties.
Tokyo has previously objected to visits by senior Russian officials to the islands, viewing such trips as attempts to reinforce Moscow’s control over territory it continues to claim.
Security concerns around the area have also grown in recent years. Russia regularly conducts military exercises near the islands, while joint naval activities involving Russian and Chinese forces have increased in nearby waters.
Analysts say Putin’s latest visit is likely to deepen diplomatic tensions and further reduce prospects for a negotiated settlement to one of East Asia’s longest-running territorial disputes.
Source: myjoyonline.com
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