RismadarVoice Reporters, August 13, 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited the Kuril Islands for the first time, prompting a strong protest from Japan over the long-running territorial dispute between the two countries.
Putin visited Iturup, one of the southernmost islands in the Russian-controlled chain, on Thursday, where he toured a fish processing plant, a hospital and a school before meeting local officials and residents.
Japan claims four southern Kuril Islands, which it refers to as the Northern Territories. The Soviet Union seized the islands from Japan in the final days of World War II, and the dispute has prevented both countries from formally concluding a peace treaty.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi strongly condemned Putin’s visit, insisting that the disputed islands are Japan’s territory under both historical claims and international law.
Russia, however, maintains that its sovereignty over the islands is established by the outcome of World War II. Putin said Moscow remained open to negotiations with Japan aimed at reaching a peace agreement.
The Russian president also criticised Japan’s position following Tokyo’s sanctions against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, but said Russia was still prepared to cooperate with Japan and other neighbouring countries.
