Japan PM Takaichi condemns Putin's visit to disputed Kuril Islands

Published Aug 14, 12:28 PM UTC

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin's first-ever visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, calling it 'absolutely unacceptable' and stating the islands are 'inherently Japanese territory.' Putin visited Iturup island, where Russia operates a military base, touring a fish processing plant, hospital, and school. Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also strongly protested the visit. The islands were annexed by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II, and Japan renounced claims in the 1951 Treaty of San Francisco but does not recognize Soviet sovereignty. The dispute has prevented a formal peace treaty. Analysts suggest Putin's visit was a response to Japan's 2026 defense white paper, which identifies Russia as a critical threat and accuses Moscow of illegally occupying the Northern Territories.