Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited the Kuril Islands, an area that has been at the center of a long-running territorial dispute between Russia and Japan. His visit to Iturup Island has led to strong protests from the Japanese government.
The Kuril Islands are controlled by Russia, but Japan claims four of the southern islands. Japan calls these islands the “Northern Territories,” while Russia considers them part of its territory.
During his visit, Putin toured several important locations on Iturup Island. He visited a fish-processing plant, a hospital and a school. He also spoke with local residents and met Valery Limarenko, the governor of Russia’s Sakhalin Region.
Putin’s visit is significant because it sends a strong message that Russia considers the islands an important part of its territory. The Russian government has continued to develop the islands and strengthen its presence there.
Japan strongly objects to Russian control of the four southern islands. The dispute dates back to the final days of World War II, when Soviet forces took control of the islands after Japan’s defeat.
The territorial disagreement has continued for decades. It has also prevented Russia and Japan from signing a formal peace treaty to officially end the state of war left over from World War II.
Both countries have made efforts to find a solution through diplomatic talks. However, those discussions have failed to produce a final agreement on the islands.
In recent years, Russia has increased its military presence in the Kuril Islands. Moscow has strengthened military facilities and deployed equipment in the region. The increased Russian activity has caused further concern in Japan.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi criticized Putin’s visit to Iturup, which Japan calls Etorofu. Japanese officials have repeatedly stated that the four southern islands are part of Japan and that the country will continue to defend its territorial position.
This is not the first time Japan has protested a visit by a senior Russian official to the disputed islands. In 2021, Japan also objected when then-Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin visited Iturup.
The territorial dispute has also affected relations between the two countries in other areas. Russia and Japan have faced difficulties in improving their political relationship, partly because of disagreements over the islands.
For Russia, maintaining control over the Kuril Islands is important for both political and strategic reasons. The islands are located in an important part of the Pacific region and have military and economic value.
For Japan, the issue remains an important matter of national sovereignty and historical importance. Japanese governments have continued to raise the territorial claim during discussions with Russia.
Putin’s latest visit shows that the dispute remains unresolved. Despite years of negotiations and diplomatic efforts, neither side has been willing to give up its position on the islands.
The latest development is likely to add further tension to Russia-Japan relations. It also shows how a territorial dispute that began after World War II continues to influence relations between the two countries many decades later.