The island, known in Russia as Iturup and in Japan as Etorofu, is one of four in the Kuril chain close to Japan's main islands seized by Moscow in the days after Japan's surrender in World War Two. Tokyo has maintained its claim to them, making their return a condition for concluding a formal peace treaty that would unlock closer economic ties.

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…

Prima visita del presidente russo. Motegi: “Territorio giapponese”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited the disputed Kuril Islands for the first time, travelling to Iturup as Moscow's relations with Japan remain deeply strained over…