The European Union has called for a peaceful resolution to the long-running territorial dispute between Russia and Japan after Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first reported visit to the disputed Kuril Islands.

Putin visited Iturup, known as Etorofu in Japan, on August 13, touring a school, hospital and fish-processing facility. The island is administered by Russia but is among four southern Kuril islands claimed by Japan, which calls them the Northern Territories.

Japan Condemns Putin’s Visit

Tokyo strongly protested the visit, with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi describing it as “absolutely unacceptable.” Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also summoned Russia’s ambassador and reaffirmed Japan’s claim to the four islands under its interpretation of history and international law.

Moscow rejected Japan’s objections and reaffirmed Russian sovereignty over the islands, which the Soviet Union seized in the final stages of World War II. The dispute has prevented Russia and Japan from signing a formal peace treaty since the end of the war.

EU Urges Diplomacy

Against the backdrop of renewed tensions, the EU has stressed the importance of resolving territorial disagreements through peaceful and diplomatic means and in accordance with international law.

The dispute has become more sensitive as relations between Moscow and Tokyo have deteriorated following Japan’s support for sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. Putin’s visit also followed Russian Pacific Fleet exercises, adding a security dimension to an already sensitive territorial issue.

Dispute Remains Unresolved

The four islands Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and the Habomai islets remain under Russian administration while Japan continues to demand their return. The strategic islands are important for fishing, natural resources and Russia’s military position in the North Pacific.

The latest diplomatic tensions are unlikely to produce an immediate settlement, but calls for dialogue could help prevent the dispute from escalating further at a time of heightened security concerns across the Asia-Pacific region.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________