Putin Visits Kuril Islands Amid Ongoing Territorial Dispute With Japan

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup, one of the Kuril Islands, on Thursday, August 13, 2026, marking his first trip to the territory claimed by Japan.

During the visit, Putin toured a fish plant, a hospital, and a school, while meeting with Sakhalin region Governor Valery Limarenko to discuss regional affairs.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi issued a formal protest, stating the islands are inherent Japanese territory, a dispute that has prevented a formal peace treaty since World War II.