Russia delivered a strong formal protest to Japan`s ambassador to Moscow over what it termed anti-Russian remarks made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding a territorial dispute over a chain of Pacific islands. According to Reuters and the Associated Press, the diplomatic summons of Japanese Ambassador Akira Muto follows a simmering row that erupted after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited one of the disputed islands last week.
President Putin`s controversial trip last Thursday marked the first time a Russian leader visited Iturup Island, the largest of the Kuril chain in Russia`s far east. The islands were seized by the Soviet Union in the closing days of World War II, a historical dispute that has prevented Moscow and Tokyo from signing a formal post-war peace treaty for eight decades. Japan refers to the territory as the Northern Territories, maintaining that sovereignty over the islands belongs to Tokyo.
In the wake of the presidential visit, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sharply denounced the trip, describing it as grave and absolutely unacceptable while asserting that the islands are an inherent part of Japan. Takaichi warned that the visit had further hardened public sentiment against Moscow within Japan and would severely complicate any long-term efforts to restore bilateral relations. Tokyo also summoned the Russian ambassador in protest shortly after the visit occurred.
Moscow reacted furiously to the Japanese leadership`s statements. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin met with Ambassador Muto at the Russian Foreign Ministry, delivering a firm reprimand and stating that Russia`s sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Southern Kuril Islands are absolute and indisputable. The Russian ministry stressed that any direct or indirect attempts by Tokyo to challenge this reality are unlawful and unacceptable. Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized Tokyo`s posture, asserting that Takaichi`s remarks had crossed the boundaries of diplomatic decency and reflected an accelerating militaristic trend in Japan.
Relations between Moscow and Tokyo have steadily deteriorated since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. Japan has joined G7 partners in imposing severe sanctions on Russia and providing financial and non-lethal defense backing to Ukraine. Political analysts suggest that President Putin`s visit to the Kuril Islands serves as a calculated strategic warning to Tokyo against deepening its security alignment with Western allies or expanding military cooperation in the region. As diplomatic channels experience renewed strain, the longstanding territorial deadlock shows no immediate sign of resolution.
