Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited a Pacific island chain claimed by both Russia and Japan, prompting a formal protest from Tokyo and adding fresh tension to the already strained relationship between the two countries.
Putin’s visit marks his first trip to the disputed islands, which Russia controls but Japan claims as part of its territory. The long-running territorial dispute has remained a major obstacle to improving relations between Moscow and Tokyo.
The Russian president’s presence on the islands was seen in Japan as a significant political signal. Japanese officials objected to the visit, reiterating Tokyo’s position that the territory remains Japanese and expressing concern over Russia’s continued activities there.
The dispute centers on four islands known in Japan as the Northern Territories and in Russia as part of the Southern Kurils. The islands were seized by Soviet forces at the end of World War II, and the competing claims have prevented Russia and Japan from formally concluding a postwar peace treaty.
Russia has consistently rejected Japan’s territorial claims and maintains that its sovereignty over the islands is based on the outcome of World War II.
Putin’s visit comes amid broader geopolitical tensions between Russia and Japan, particularly following Tokyo’s sanctions against Moscow over Russia’s war in Ukraine. Japan has aligned itself with other Western countries in imposing economic measures on Russia, further complicating bilateral relations.
Japanese officials are expected to continue raising the territorial issue through diplomatic channels, while Moscow has shown little indication of changing its position.
Analysts say the visit could further harden public and political attitudes in Japan toward Russia and make future negotiations over the disputed islands even more difficult.
Swifteradio.com
