Tensions Escalate as Japan Protests Putin's Kuril Visit

In a significant diplomatic clash, Russia has lodged a formal protest against Japan following comments made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to the disputed Kuril Islands.

Putin's visit last Thursday sparked outrage in Japan, prompting Takaichi to label the trip as "grave" and "absolutely unacceptable." She reaffirmed Japan's stance, asserting that the Northern Territories are integral to Japan's sovereignty under both historical and international law.

The ongoing tensions stem from a long-standing territorial dispute, with the southern Kuril Islands—Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and the Habomai Islands—remaining a contentious issue since their seizure by the Soviet Union in 1945. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized Takaichi's remarks as crossing the line of decency, exacerbating the already strained relations.

As Japan continues to support Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict, analysts suggest that Putin's visit serves as a warning against Japan's deepening military ties with NATO and its support for Ukraine.

Source: www.aljazeera.com