Putin Iturup Visit has renewed tensions between Japan and Russia after Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled to Iturup Island on 13 August 2026. Iturup, known as Etorofu in Japan, is one of four southern Kuril Islands claimed by both countries. Russia currently administers the island, while Japan considers it part of its Northern Territories. Putin’s visit was his first personal visit to the Kuril Islands and prompted a strong diplomatic protest from Tokyo.

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Putin Visits Iturup During Far East Tour

Putin visited Iturup during a wider trip to Russia’s Far Eastern Sakhalin region. On the island, he visited a fish-processing complex, a hospital and a local school. He was accompanied by Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko and also met local officials and residents. The visit followed Russian military activities in the Far East, including Pacific Fleet exercises near Sakhalin.

The visit highlighted Russia’s continued administration and development of the island. During his stop at the Yasny fish-processing facility, Putin was shown local fishing activities and products. He also visited a school and the central district hospital, where officials discussed local infrastructure and services.

Why Is Iturup Island Disputed?

The dispute over Iturup is part of the larger disagreement between Japan and Russia over four islands at the southern end of the Kuril chain. The four are Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and the Habomai islets.

Russia calls these islands the Southern Kurils and has administered them since the Soviet Union took control of them at the end of the Second World War. Japan calls them the Northern Territories and maintains its claim over them. The unresolved territorial issue has prevented Japan and Russia from signing a formal peace treaty to fully end their Second World War dispute.

The islands are also strategically important because of their location between the Sea of Okhotsk and the North Pacific. Their waters are rich in marine resources, while the wider region has military and security importance for both countries.

Japan Strongly Protests the Visit

Japan reacted strongly to Putin’s visit. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the trip as unacceptable, while Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi reiterated Tokyo’s claim over the disputed islands.

Japan also summoned Russian Ambassador Nikolay Nozdrev in Tokyo to formally communicate its protest. Tokyo has maintained that the four Northern Territories are Japanese territory based on its historical and legal position.

The timing of the visit added to the sensitivity. Putin travelled to Iturup just before Japan’s annual commemoration of the end of the Second World War, when the territorial issue receives particular attention in Japan.

Russia Defends Its Position

Moscow rejected Japan’s criticism and continued to assert Russian sovereignty over the islands. Russian officials have repeatedly said that the status of the Southern Kurils is not open to question.

The dispute remained active after the visit. On 18 August, Russia summoned Japanese Ambassador Akira Muto over remarks made by Japanese leaders about Putin’s trip. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin strongly objected to what Moscow described as attempts to challenge Russia’s position on the islands.

Japan-Russia Relations Remain Difficult

The territorial disagreement is only one part of the broader deterioration in Japan-Russia relations. Japan has imposed sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has supported international measures against Moscow.

Russia has criticised Japan’s sanctions and its cooperation with Western countries. The two countries have also faced increasing disagreements over security policy in the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The Kuril Islands remain strategically important for Russia’s Pacific security arrangements. Moscow has strengthened its military presence in the region, while Japan continues to monitor developments around its northern territory and nearby waters.

Earlier Russian Visits to the Islands

Putin’s 2026 trip was notable because it was his first personal visit to the Kuril Islands. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had previously visited the disputed islands several times, including during his presidency and later as prime minister.

The unresolved territorial dispute continues to affect diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Moscow. Putin’s visit, followed by protests from both sides, has once again placed the Kuril Islands at the centre of Japan-Russia relations.