Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Etorofu Island on August 8, one of the islands controlled by Russia but claimed by Japan, according to Russia's Tass news agency. This is Putin's first visit to the area during his presidency.
Etorofu is part of the disputed island chain off Hokkaido, which Tokyo calls the "Northern Territories" and Moscow calls the Kuril Islands.
The visit comes amid already tense Russia-Japan relations due to long-standing disagreements over sovereignty of the islands. Japan's Foreign Ministry immediately protested the move, calling the Russian president's action unacceptable and contrary to Tokyo's consistent position on the territorial issue.
The disputed islands have been a sticking point in bilateral relations since World War II, leaving Russia and Japan without a formal peace treaty. Previously, leaders of both countries have repeatedly expressed a desire to resolve the disagreement, but no breakthrough has been achieved.
This is the latest move showing Russia continues to consolidate its presence in the region, despite objections from Japan.
