Putin Visits Disputed Kuril Islands, Drawing Strong Protest From Japan

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup, a Kuril island claimed by Japan, for the first time on Thursday, prompting a strong protest from Tokyo, according to the Associated Press.

Putin toured a fish processing plant, hospital and school on the Russian-controlled island and met Sakhalin regional Governor Valery Limarenko.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi condemned Putin’s visit, insisting the islands are Japanese territory under history and international law.

Russia has strengthened its military presence across the Kurils in recent years. Putin’s visit came during a wider tour of Russia’s Siberian and Far Eastern regions, including military exercises involving the Pacific Fleet.

Related Tweet:

🤨 Japan has strongly protested Vladimir Putin’s first-ever visit to Iturup in the Kuril Islands.

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi reiterated that the Northern Territories remain an integral part of Japan historically and under international law. pic.twitter.com/rneyQBjkhR

— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) August 13, 2026

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tippinsightsTIPP Staff