Japan envoy meets Russia after Putin island visit
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- Japan protested Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Northern Territories, calling the islands inherent Japanese territory under international law and history
- Russia summoned Japan’s ambassador after Tokyo objected to Putin’s trip to Etorofu, one of the disputed Southern Kurils, marking his first-ever visit there on Aug 13
- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin warned Japan of possible countermeasures due to its sanctions on Moscow and support for Kyiv during the embassy meeting
- Ambassador Akira Muto explained Japan’s position to Russian officials but declined to speak to reporters after the 20-minute meeting at the foreign ministry
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reiterated Japan’s stance that the Northern Territories are illegally occupied, prompting Russia to accuse her of questioning the legitimacy of its sovereignty
- Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned Russia’s ambassador in Tokyo in response, escalating diplomatic pushback from Japan
Why it matters: The exchange marks a rare escalation in Japan-Russia tensions over the Kuril Islands dispute, with both sides now formally protesting at the ministerial level. Russia’s threat of countermeasures introduces new risk to bilateral ties already strained by Japan’s alignment with Western sanctions and Ukraine policy.
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