Japan has issued a sharp rebuke regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent tour of the Kuril island chain. This territory remains a point of intense contention between the two nations.
According to reports from Russian state media, Putin traveled to Iturup, which is referred to as Etorofu in Japan. The island is part of a four-island cluster claimed by both countries. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that these islands are legally and historically Japanese land, adding that Tokyo strongly objects to the Russian leader’s presence there.
The ownership of the Kuril islands has been a long-standing point of friction, effectively preventing Moscow and Tokyo from formalizing a post-World War II peace treaty. While the islands are currently under Russian administration, they were seized by the Soviet Union at the conclusion of the war, resulting in the expulsion of 17,000 Japanese inhabitants.
Putin’s visit included interactions with local residents and an inspection of local industry. The islands hold significant military importance for Russia, with Iturup serving as a key air base. Tensions have remained elevated recently, following joint Russian-Chinese naval maneuvers near the islands and previous Russian military exercises that drew criticism from Japan.
