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Russia summons Japan’s ambassador over Kuril trip criticism

8/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Russia summoned ambassador Akira Muto after Tokyo condemned President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the disputed Kuril Islands.
President Vladimir Putin traveled to the Kuril Islands after a stop on Sakhalin.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Japanese officials crossed the line of decency by criticizing the trip.
Sergey Lavrov said the summons addressed Japanese leadership conduct, noting Japan has joined G7 sanctions on Russia since 2022.

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Story summary

Russia summoned ambassador Akira Muto after Tokyo condemned President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the disputed Kuril Islands.
President Vladimir Putin traveled to the Kuril Islands after a stop on Sakhalin.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Japanese officials crossed the line of decency by criticizing the trip.
Sergey Lavrov said the summons addressed Japanese leadership conduct, noting Japan has joined G7 sanctions on Russia since 2022.