The four contested islands, seized by Russia during World War II, have gained importance since the end of the conflict, providing strategic military bases to the Kremlin, coupled with their rich mineral deposits and fishing grounds.

As the Russian leader recalled, the Soviet Union and Japan signed a declaration in the mid-1950s that opened the way to a peace treaty and, consequently, a solution to the issue…

Tokyo, Aug. 12 (Jiji Press)--Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Wednesday that international documents confirm the Kuril Islands, including the four islands that Japan…