Putin pays his first visit to Pacific island chain claimed by Japan, drawing a protest from Tokyo
Summary
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands, a group of islands controlled by Russia but also claimed by Japan. This was his first visit there and led to a formal protest from Japan, which disputes Russia's control of the islands.Key Facts
- Putin visited Iturup, the largest of the Kuril Islands, on August 13, 2026.
- The Kuril Islands are controlled by Russia but claimed by Japan, which calls the four southernmost islands the Northern Territories.
- The Soviet Union took control of the islands from Japan at the end of World War II.
- Japan has never signed a peace treaty with Russia because of this territorial dispute.
- Putin visited local facilities including a fish plant, a hospital, and a school.
- Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi issued a strong protest against Putin’s visit.
- Russia has increased its military presence on the Kuril Islands over the years.
- Before visiting Iturup, Putin attended military drills on nearby Sakhalin Island.
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