politics
‘Absolutely unacceptable’: Japan condemns visit by Vladimir Putin to disputed Kuril Islands
Japanese PM says islands seized by Soviets late in second world war are part of her country under international law
TL;DR
- Japan's government has reacted angrily to Vladimir Putin's visit to the disputed Kuril Islands.
- Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned the Russian ambassador, and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the visit 'absolutely unacceptable'.
- The islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia, were seized by the Soviet Union in the final stages of World War II.
- This territorial dispute has prevented Japan and Russia from signing a formal peace treaty.
- Takaichi asserted that the islands are historically and legally part of Japan, calling Putin's visit incompatible with Japan's position.
- Putin visited a hospital, met residents, and tried caviar on Etorofu island.
- Approximately 17,000 Japanese formerly lived on the islands, which are now inhabited by about 20,000 Russian citizens.
- The islands hold strategic importance, offering access to rich fishing grounds and valuable mineral deposits.
- Putin stated on Sakhalin island that the disputed islands are recognized as Russian in international documents.
- Past efforts by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to improve relations and discuss a peace treaty have been undermined by recent events.
- Putin acknowledged Abe's efforts but called Japan's recent sanctions 'unprovoked' and stated that Japan has territorial claims against Russia.
- Dmitry Medvedev, then president, visited Kunashiri island in 2010.