President Vladimir Putin visited Russia's far-eastern Kuril Islands for the first time on Thursday, prompting protests by Japan, which also claims the territory.
Aug. 13, 2026
Vladimir Putin meets residents as he visits the Southern Kuril Island of Iturup.
Sputnik / Gavriil Grigorov / Pool via REUTERS
President Vladimir Putin visited Russia's far-eastern Kuril Islands for the first time on Thursday, prompting protests by Japan, which also claims the territory.
Russian-Japanese relations have long been dogged by the contested islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories and seized by the Soviet Union in 1945.
Putin pays his first visit to Pacific island chain claimed by Japan, drawing protest from Tokyo
Russia’s Putin makes first visit to Kuril Islands claimed by Japan
Putin pays his first visit to Pacific island chain claimed by Japan, drawing a protest from Tokyo
Putin visits Kuril Islands, sparks Japan’s fury - World News
Japan protests Putin's first visit to disputed islands
Putin pays his first visit to Pacific island chain claimed by Japan, drawing a protest from Tokyo | CNN
Russia's Putin angers Japan with 1st visit to Kuril Islands
Putin visits Kuril islands claimed by Japan for first time
Putin visits disputed Kuril islands sparking Japanese protest
Putin visits Kuril islands claimed by Japan
