AssetID: 55914565
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Japan Protests as Putin Makes First Visit to Disputed Kuril Islands
Caption: Japan Protests as Putin Makes First Visit to Disputed Kuril Islands. Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited the disputed Kuril Islands for the first time, prompting a strong protest from Japan and further straining already tense relations between Moscow and Tokyo. Putin travelled to Iturup, one of four southern islands controlled by Russia but claimed by Japan, which refers to them as the Northern Territories. The Soviet Union seized the islands in the final stages of World War II in 1945, and the territorial dispute has prevented Russia and Japan from signing a formal postwar peace treaty. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described Putin’s visit as “absolutely unacceptable”, while Tokyo reiterated that the islands are an inherent part of Japanese territory. Putin toured a fish-processing facility, visited local institutions and met residents, using the visit to reinforce Moscow’s control and promote economic development in the remote region. The Russian president defended Moscow’s sovereignty over the islands, arguing that their status was established through postwar international agreements. At the same time, Putin has also expressed Russia’s historical willingness to improve relations with Japan. However, bilateral ties have deteriorated since Japan joined Western sanctions against Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. Russia has also carried out naval exercises in the Pacific. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,dispute,Japan,Russia,Kuril Islands,protest,strained,relations,naval exercises,sanctions,war,Ukraine,Sanae Takaichi,Vladimir Putin
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