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Putin Visits Disputed Iturup, Japan Protests Moscow

8/13/2026

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Center

Putin Visits Iturup

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the disputed Kuril island of Iturup on August 13, 2026.
Russia said it was ready to pursue a peace treaty with Japan despite the islands’ post-World War II status.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi asserted the Northern Territories are Japan’s territory under international law.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the visit absolutely unacceptable and damaging to bilateral relations.

Left

Putin Visits Iturup

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the disputed Kuril island of Iturup on August 13, 2026.
The trip underscored the forced removal of Japan’s original residents and the severe living conditions endured by the 20,000 Russian settlers.
Putin toured the Yasny fish-processing plant, the Kuril Central District Hospital and a local school.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned Russia’s ambassador and lodged a formal protest.

Blindspot

Blindspot

The visit highlighted that the island’s original Japanese residents were displaced and that roughly 20,000 Russian settlers endure harsh living conditions.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage overall and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

In October 1956 the Soviet-Japanese Joint Declaration ended the war, restored diplomatic ties and promised to hand over Shikotan and the Habomai Islands after a peace treaty, while leaving the larger Kurils unresolved. The stance has persisted—Putin’s August 13 2026 visit to Iturup echoes Khrushchev’s 1956 assertiveness, and Russia’s 2006 offer to return the two islands (about 6 % of the dispute) hangs over talks.

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Putin Visits Iturup

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the disputed Kuril island of Iturup on August 13, 2026.
Russia said it was ready to pursue a peace treaty with Japan despite the islands’ post-World War II status.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi asserted the Northern Territories are Japan’s territory under international law.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the visit absolutely unacceptable and damaging to bilateral relations.

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