US backs Japan over Putin trip to disputed islands
Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, listens to Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko in Kurilsk on the Iturup Island, the largest of the Kuril Islands of Russia’s fareast, on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
The United States recognises Japan's sovereignty over islands visited by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the U.S. ambassador to Tokyo said on Aug. 14.
"The United States remains unwavering in its support of its most important ally and in its recognition of Japanese sovereignty over the Northern Territories," George Glass said on X, using the Japanese name for the Kuril islands visited for the first time by Putin on Thursday.
"At a time when the U.S.-Japan Alliance is dedicated to cultivating prosperity across the Indo-Pacific, we strongly oppose any action that undermines its peace and stability," Glass added.
