Russia Summons Japan Ambassador Over Kuril Islands Dispute After Putin Visit
On Monday, Moscow summoned Japanese ambassador Akira Muto following Tokyo's condemnation of President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to the Kuril Islands, a territory also claimed by Japan. The islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories, were seized by the Soviet Union in 1945 and have long been a point of contention in Russian-Japanese relations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Japanese officials had 'crossed the line of decency' in criticizing Putin's trip. Lavrov also noted that Tokyo initially indicated Muto could not attend the summons immediately. The move escalates diplomatic tensions between the two nations over the disputed territory.
Key facts
- Russia summoned Japanese ambassador Akira Muto on Monday.
- The summons was in response to Japan's criticism of Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands.
- The Kuril Islands are claimed by both Russia and Japan.
- Japan refers to the islands as the Northern Territories.
- The islands were seized by the Soviet Union in 1945.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Japanese officials had 'crossed the line of decency'.
- Tokyo initially said Muto could not attend the summons immediately.
- The dispute has long dogged Russian-Japanese relations.
Entities
Institutions
- Russian Foreign Ministry
- Japanese Foreign Ministry
Locations
- Russia
- Japan
- Kuril Islands
- Northern Territories