Es la primera vez que el mandatario ruso visita el archipiélago, cuya soberanía reclama Japón desde que la Unión Soviética las ocupase tras la Segunda Guerra Mundial siendo territorio nipón.

The four southernmost islands of the chain also are claimed by Japan, which calls them the Northern Territories.

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