Rio Times · Asia Intelligence Brief August 15
Key Facts
—Putin’s first visit there Vladimir Putin travelled to Iturup on Thursday, his first visit as president to the island chain Japan claims; a predecessor, Dmitry Medvedev, visited in 2010.
—Tokyo’s response Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the visit absolutely unacceptable, and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned Russia’s ambassador.
—Moscow’s reply The Russian embassy called the protest unfounded and said the president’s travels are sovereign decisions not open to foreign discussion.
