Putin's First Visit to Disputed Kuril Island Strains Japan-Russia Ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first-ever visit to one of the four disputed islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia, on Thursday. Japanese media reported that senior foreign ministry officials discussed on Friday possible responses, including tougher sanctions and the temporary recall of Japan's ambassador. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin warned that Moscow reserves the right to take appropriate countermeasures against Japan, citing Tokyo's continued sanctions and support for Kyiv. Analysts note that Japan's reliance on Russian gas limits its options for fresh sanctions, leaving it with few economic weapons to respond.
Key facts
- Putin made his first-ever visit to one of the four disputed islands last Thursday.
- Japan calls the islands the Northern Territories; Russia calls them the Southern Kurils.
- Japanese foreign ministry officials discussed possible responses on Friday, including tougher sanctions and temporary recall of Japan's ambassador.
- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin warned of the right to take appropriate countermeasures.
- Galuzin cited Japan's continued policy of sanctioning Moscow and its support for Kyiv.
- Japan's need for Russian gas limits its ability to impose fresh sanctions.
- Analysts say Tokyo has few economic weapons left to respond.
- Japan's ambassador to Russia, Akira Muto, was summoned over Japanese officials' criticism of Putin's visit.
Entities
Institutions
- Russian Foreign Ministry
- Japanese Foreign Ministry
Locations
- Kuril Islands
- Japan
- Russia
- Tokyo
- Moscow
- Kyiv
- Ukraine