Japan protests as Russia’s Putin visits disputed Kuril Islands
Summary
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands, a group of islands controlled by Russia but claimed by Japan. Japan strongly protested the visit, saying the islands belong to them and the visit disrespects their claims.Key Facts
- Putin visited the Kuril Islands on Thursday, meeting local officials and visiting several public facilities.
- Japan calls the islands the Northern Territories and says they legally belong to Japan.
- The islands were taken by the Soviet Union from Japan at the end of World War II.
- Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi condemned Putin’s visit.
- Putin said Russia is not threatening Japan and noted Japan’s territorial claims against Russia.
- The islands have about 20,000 Russian residents and natural resources like gold, silver, and fish.
- After 1945, Japan’s population was removed from the islands, which became strategically important during the Cold War.
- Moscow has increased its military presence on the islands in recent years.
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