The US ambassador said Washington was "unwavering" in recognising Japanese sovereignty, after Putin's visit to the four islands occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945 prompted Japan to summon Moscow's ambassador and consider tightening sanctions against Russia.

Japan protests President Putin's first visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, escalating tensions over the territory seized by the Soviet Union in 1945.

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…

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a disputed island near Japan on Thursday. This visit prompted strong condemnation from Tokyo, which cited the action as unacceptable. Ties…