Putin visits the Kuril Islands for the first time, reigniting an 80-year dispute with Japan
In a move that has reignited one of the oldest regional disputes in East Asia, the repercussions of which have prevented the signing of a formal peace treaty between Moscow and Tokyo for decades, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup Island in the disputed Kuril Islands today. This marks his first visit to the archipelago, which is under Russian control but over which Japan claims sovereignty of four of its islands.
The Kremlin released video footage of Putin during the visit, which included stops at a fish processing plant, a hospital, and a school. He also met with local residents and Valery Limarenko, the governor of the Sakhalin region. The visit coincided with a meeting held by Putin on the security of Russia’s eastern borders, following his observation of exercises conducted by the Russian Pacific Fleet, sending a clear political and security message.
Japan swiftly protested, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi describing the visit as “unacceptable.” She affirmed that Tokyo considers the “Northern Territories” an inherent part of Japanese territory, both historically and under international law. The Japanese Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador Nikolai Nozdrin and delivered a strong protest, warning that the visit would negatively impact bilateral relations, which are already strained due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The dispute dates back to the final days of World War II, when the Soviet Union took control of the four islands north of Hokkaido in 1945 and deported approximately 17,000 of their Japanese inhabitants. The area comprises Kunashir, Iturup, Shikotan, and Habomai. The disputed islands cover an area of about 5,000 square kilometers and hold significant strategic importance, as well as rich fisheries and mineral resources. Currently, around 20,000 Russians live there.
The dispute has remained an obstacle to signing a peace treaty between the two countries. Although negotiations resumed after the collapse of the Soviet Union, no final settlement has been reached.
Today, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, who was the first Russian president to visit the islands in 2010 before returning later, warned those who question Russia’s sovereignty over them of “severe consequences.”
In a broader context, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov affirmed that Russia is open to practical cooperation in the Arctic region with all parties willing to engage in constructive dialogue, while emphasizing Russia’s sovereign rights. Moscow maintains that any handling of Arctic issues without its participation is doomed to fail.
