Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived on Iturup Island as part of a working trip to Siberia and the Far East. This marks Putin's first personal visit to the Kuril Islands.
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed a strong protest to Moscow regarding the Russian head of state's visit. The Japanese side reaffirmed that it considers Iturup and other Southern Kuril Islands to be an "inherent territory" of the country.
Iturup Island is one of the four Southern Kuril Islands claimed by Japan. In addition to Iturup, the four islands claimed by Tokyo include Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai.
Prior to Putin's arrival, Russian leaders had visited the Kuril Islands five times in total. During his time in Russian leadership, Dmitry Medvedev visited the islands four times in his capacities as president and prime minister. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin last visited the Kuril Islands in 2021.
The Southern Kuril Islands have been under Moscow's control since 1945, and Russia considers these territories to be its own land. This ongoing territorial dispute between the parties is one of the main factors preventing the signing of a peace treaty between Russia and Japan following World War II.
