Japan Protests Putin's First Visit to Disputed Kuril Islands

Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted his first visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, specifically inspecting local industry on Iturup.

The visit has drawn a formal protest from Japan, further straining diplomatic relations already at a low point due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The territorial dispute over the islands remains unresolved after decades, with the current visit occurring amid heightened military tensions in the region.