Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup Island in the Kuril chain, prompting a strong protest from Japan, according to a report published on August 13, 2026. The visit came one day after Russia conducted major naval drills in its Far East. It was Putin’s first direct visit to the Kuril Islands.

Russia and Japan have long disputed several areas in the Kuril Islands, including Iturup. Japan calls the islands its “Northern Territories” and says they are an inseparable part of its territory. Russia has controlled the islands since the end of World War II, and the dispute has prevented the two countries from signing a formal peace treaty.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the Northern Territories, including Iturup, are Japan’s territory under historical and international law, and that Japan was strongly protesting Putin’s visit. At the same time, Russia’s ally North Korea launched a ballistic missile east of the Korean Peninsula. The report said the visit could create fresh tension in Russia-Japan relations.