Putin Visits Disputed Kuril Islands, Japan Protests

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands, including Iturup (called Etorofu in Japan), for the first time on August 13, 2026. The islands are claimed by both Russia and Japan, and the visit drew an immediate protest from the Japanese government.

During his trip, Putin toured a central district hospital and met with the governor of the Sakhalin region. Japanese officials, including Foreign Minister Motegi, said they strongly protested the visit, which they see as contradicting Japan's position on the territorial dispute.