Putin Visits Disputed Islands, Angering Japan

On August 13, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to islands disputed with Japan, prompting a strong reaction from Tokyo. Japan summoned Russia's ambassador in protest, while Moscow responded that Russian land remains Russian. Experts see the visit as a message to Japan, signaling a reset in relations, and Ukraine expressed support for Japan's position. The visit underscores ongoing tensions over the islands, which were seized by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II.