Tensions Rise as Russia Summons Japanese Ambassador Over Putin's Island Visit
By Editor • August 18, 2026 • 1 min read
In a diplomatic stir, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov summoned Japanese Ambassador Akira Muto following Japan's protest against President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to the disputed Etorofu Island. This island visit, which occurred last Thursday, marked Putin's first trip to any of the four islands claimed by Japan but currently under Russian control since World War II.
Lavrov expressed his dissatisfaction at a news conference, stating that he called in the ambassador immediately after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi lodged their formal complaints. Russia's state media reported that Muto would respond to Lavrov's summons on Tuesday.
The situation escalated as Lavrov criticized the Japanese Embassy's inability to provide a suitable date for Muto's appearance, calling it a breach of diplomatic protocol. Takaichi's objections underline ongoing tensions between the two nations regarding territorial claims in the Kuril Islands.
Source: www.japantimes.co.jp
