Russia Summons Japanese Ambassador Over Putin’s Kuril Islands Visit
Russia summoned the Japanese ambassador to protest Japan's condemnation of President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands, a Pacific archipelago claimed by both nations. Japan considers the islands its "inherent territory," while Russia asserts its sovereignty is "unshakable" following…
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 18, 2026 —
Russia has summoned the Japanese ambassador to express its strong disapproval following Japan’s condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to the Kuril Islands. The Pacific archipelago is a source of ongoing territorial dispute between the two nations.
Japan officially considers the islands, which it refers to as the Northern Territories, as its “inherent territory.” This designation reflects Japan’s long-standing claim over the archipelago.
In response to Japan’s protest, Russia has stated that its sovereignty over the islands is “unshakable.” The Russian government bases its assertion on agreements made following the conclusion of World War II.
The diplomatic exchange highlights the persistent tensions surrounding the Kuril Islands, a chain of islands located north of Japan and east of Russia’s Sakhalin Island. The dispute over these islands has historically complicated relations between Moscow and Tokyo.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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