Putin visits disputed Kuril islands, straining Russia-Japan relations

The Independent · first seen 16.08.2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the contested Kuril islands highlights deteriorating ties and prompts Japan to expand military capabilities.

Putin made his first visit to the disputed Kuril islands.
Visit exposes deteriorating Moscow-Tokyo ties and drives Japanese military expansion.

Sources

The Independent — Why Putin is testing Japan’s limits with visit to contested Pacific islands

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