Moscow—Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril
Islands for the first time on Thursday. The archipelago, under Russian control,
is also claimed by Japan, prompting a strong protest from the Japanese
government.
Putin traveled to Iturup, one of the four disputed southern
islands, known in Japan as Etorofu. During his visit, he toured a fish
processing plant, a school, and a hospital, and met with the governor of
Sakhalin Province and island residents.
Japan considers the four islands—Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan,
and the Habomai Islands—part of its Northern Territories. Tokyo maintains that
they are Japanese territory for both historical reasons and under international
law, while Moscow reaffirms its sovereignty over them.
In response to the visit, the Japanese government lodged a
diplomatic protest with Russia. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called
Putin's trip "absolutely unacceptable," while Foreign Minister
Toshimitsu Motegi summoned the Russian ambassador in Tokyo to convey his
government's position.
The territorial dispute dates back to the end of World War
II, when the Soviet Union took control of the islands in 1945. The conflict has
prevented Russia and Japan from finalizing a formal peace treaty that would
legally end their World War II hostilities.