US backs Japan over Putin trip to disputed islands

On 14 August 2026, the United States backed Japan's claim to the disputed Kuril Islands after Putin visited the islands. Tokyo said it plans to consider countermeasures against the visit to an island that Japan claims. Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov accused Japan of remilitarization and of closer coordination with the United States.

Lavrov also said Russia is seeking answers from the United States about alleged US support for Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia. He added that Putin is ready to meet Witkoff and Kushner again.