Putin visits Kuril Islands for first time since coming to power; Japan condemns trip
Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited the Kuril Islands for the first time during his time in power, confirmed by Russian state media. Japan, which claims the islands as its own territory, has strongly condemned the visit.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands on Thursday, marking the first such trip since he came to power. The visit was confirmed by Russian state media.
Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi announced Thursday morning that the Japanese government strongly condemns Putin's visit.
A long-standing territorial dispute
The Kuril Islands have long been a source of dispute between Russia and Japan. Japan seeks the return of the islands, which it calls its "Northern Territories," while Russia has controlled them since the end of World War II. The territorial dispute continues to block the signing of a peace treaty between the two countries.
Putin's visit, his first to the islands since taking power, is seen as a symbolic move that could further strain relations between Moscow and Tokyo.
