Japan claims the Kuril Islands as its own, which it says is recognised by international law

Putin’s first visit to the disputed islands comes as Moscow-Tokyo relations remain strained over Japan’s support for Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the far-eastern Kuril islands for the first time on Thursday, prompting a "strong" protest by Japan which also claims the territory.

Putin visits Etorofu, known in Russia as Iturup, that Tokyo claims as its own territory