Putin vizitează pentru prima dată insulele Kurile revendicate de Japonia. Tokyo reacționează dur: „Teritoriile de Nord sunt istoric ale noastre”
Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup Island, claimed by Japan, sparked a strong protest from Tokyo amid rising regional tensions. This marks Putin's first visit to the Kuril Islands, which have been a point of contention since World War II. Japan's Foreign Minister reiterated Japan's sovereignty over the islands, emphasizing their historical and legal claims. The visit followed significant military exercises by Russia and a missile launch by North Korea, highlighting the complex security situation in the Asia-Pacific region. Putin engaged with locals during his visit, showcasing the island's fishing industry.