Vladimir Putin recently made a first-ever visit to the Kuril Islands, a chain of islands claimed by both Russia and Japan. This visit has provoked strong condemnation from Tokyo, which considers the islands – known as the Northern Territories in Japan – illegally occupied. Japan’s Foreign Ministry lodged a protest with the Russian ambassador, strongly urging Russia to refrain from actions that could further complicate the ongoing territorial dispute. The islands were seized by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II, and a peace treaty between the two countries has never been signed due to the disagreement over their ownership. Putin’s visit included inspections of infrastructure projects and meetings with local officials, signaling Moscow’s intent to solidify its control over the islands. This move is expected to further hinder negotiations aimed at resolving the decades-long dispute and potentially impact future diplomatic relations. The visit underscores Russia’s assertiveness in the region and its disregard for Japan’s claims.