Putin Visits Disputed Island, Deepening Russia-Japan Territorial Tensions
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup, one of the disputed Kuril Islands claimed by both Russia and Japan, prompting a strong protest from Tokyo.
ASIA,POLITICS
Global N Press
8/13/20261 min read
TOKYO, August 13, 2026 — Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup, one of the disputed Kuril Islands claimed by both Russia and Japan, prompting a strong protest from Tokyo. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the visit as “absolutely unacceptable” and said it would undermine efforts to improve bilateral relations. Iturup is part of the southern Kuril Islands, which Russia has controlled since the end of World War II but Japan calls part of its Northern Territories and continues to claim. The territorial dispute has prevented Moscow and Tokyo from signing a formal peace treaty since the war.
Relations have deteriorated further since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Japan joining Western sanctions and bilateral economic cooperation sharply reduced. Putin’s visit came shortly before Japan’s annual August 15 commemoration of its World War II surrender and amid wider security tensions in Northeast Asia. Russia has strengthened its military and economic presence in the Far East, while Japan has expanded defense capabilities and security cooperation with the United States and other partners. The visit does not change control of the disputed islands, but it highlights the continuing territorial dispute and could further complicate efforts to restore political dialogue between Moscow and Tokyo.
