Russian President Vladimir Putin recently visited the Kuril Islands, a chain in the Pacific Ocean controlled by Russia but claimed by Japan. His visit has angered Japanese officials, who consider these islands part of their territory.
During his trip, Putin inspected a fish processing plant, a hospital, and a school on Iturup Island. He also met local residents and the governor of Russia’s Sakhalin region.
The Kuril Islands have been a point of contention between Russia and Japan since the Soviet Union took control of four southern islands in 1945 near the end of World War II. Despite decades of diplomatic efforts, no resolution has been reached, and no formal peace treaty exists between the two countries.
Japan protested similarly when Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin visited Iturup in 2021. Putin’s recent visit to the region included stops in Siberia and the Far East, where he attended naval exercises with Russia’s Pacific Fleet.
Putin emphasized that while the Kuril Islands’ status is recognized internationally, Russia remains open to discussing a peace treaty with Japan. He acknowledged past cooperation with Japanese leaders but noted changes in Japan’s stance since imposing sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine.
Despite ongoing tensions, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s willingness to work with neighboring countries, including Japan, for mutual benefit.