Putin's Pacific Island Visit Sparks Diplomatic Row with Japan

What happened

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands for the first time in 2026, sparking a diplomatic protest from Japan. He visited a fish plant, hospital, and school on Iturup Island and met with the Sakhalin region governor. Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi lodged a formal protest, and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi criticized the visit.

Why it matters

The visit highlights the long-standing territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands, which has prevented a formal peace treaty between Russia and Japan since World War II. It underscores Russia's determination to assert sovereignty and the difficulties in resolving the conflict diplomatically.