Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first-ever visit to the Kuril Islands on Thursday, a chain also claimed by Japan. He met with the regional governor and visited a fish-processing plant, a hospital, and a school on Iturup, the southernmost isle, according to Russian state media. Japan asserts territorial rights to the four southernmost islands, which it calls the Northern Territories, seized by the Soviet Union during World War II.
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the visit "absolutely unacceptable," saying it offends the Japanese people. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned the Russian ambassador to protest strongly. Ties have worsened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Japan imposing sanctions. Putin dismissed Japan's claims, saying Russia is not threatening Japan, but Japan has territorial claims against Russia.