Putin Makes Historic First Visit to Disputed Kuril Islands, Drawing Japanese Protest
Xinhua · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first-ever visit to the contested Kuril Islands on Thursday, triggering a strong protest from Japan which claims the territory as its own. Putin visited the island of Iturup (known as Etorofu in Japan) after participating in Pacific Fleet military drills on Sakhalin Island, stopping at a fish-processing factory where he was served caviar. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi immediately condemned the visit, declaring the islands "an inherent part of Japan's territory both historically and under international law."
Key Points
- Putin's visit on Thursday marked the first time the Russian leader has personally set foot on the disputed Kuril Islands
- The Kremlin posted video footage of Putin touring the Yasny fish-packing factory on Iturup, where he inspected operations and was offered caviar
- Putin had previously attended the final stage of Pacific Fleet exercises in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk before travelling to the Kurils
- Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi issued a formal statement protesting the visit and reaffirming Tokyo's sovereignty claim
- The four disputed islands — Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai — have been under Russian control since being seized by the Soviet Union in August 1945
Why It Matters
Putin's unprecedented visit signals Russia's intent to solidify its territorial claims in the Far East while simultaneously deepening ties with China and North Korea amid mounting Western isolation. The timing — coming weeks before expected diplomatic engagements — suggests Moscow is using the visit to demonstrate resolve and poke at Japan's alliance with Western nations supporting Ukraine .
Putin's unprecedented visit signals Russia's intent to solidify its territorial claims in the Far East while simultaneously deepening ties with China and North Korea amid mounting Western isolation. The timing — coming weeks before expected diplomatic engagements — suggests Moscow is using the visit to demonstrate resolve and poke at Japan's alliance with Western nations supporting Ukraine .