Russian state television aired footage of President Vladimir Putin observing live‑fire naval drills from the missile cruiser Varyag off Sakhalin, followed by a visit to one of the Kuril Islands. Japan condemned the trip as "absolutely unacceptable," and its foreign minister summoned Russia's ambassador. The Kurils, seized by the Soviet Union in 1945 and home to about 20,000 Russians, remain strategically and economically important; Moscow's actions reiterate its territorial claims and military presence.
Putin Visits Kuril Islands After Observing Live‑Fire Naval Drills Off Sakhalin — Japan Lodges Protest
Putin watches Russian navy drills off Russia's Sakhalin Island
Footage released by Russian state television showed President Vladimir Putin aboard the missile cruiser Varyag, flagship of the Pacific Fleet, as he observed live‑fire naval exercises and an underwater explosion off Russia's Far East near Sakhalin.
After the drills, Putin travelled to one of the Kuril Islands — his first presidential visit to the archipelago since Dmitry Medvedev went there in 2010. The visit, shown in state media, underscores Moscow's continued military presence and political claims in the region.
Diplomatic Reaction
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi condemned the trip as "absolutely unacceptable," reiterating Tokyo's claim that the islands are an inherent part of Japan. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned Russia's ambassador in Tokyo to lodge a formal protest and warned the visit could further damage already strained relations with Moscow and alarm Japan's Western partners.
Background and Strategic Importance
The Kuril Islands have been disputed by Russia and Japan since 1945, when Soviet forces took control of the archipelago at the end of World War II. The islands are home to roughly 20,000 Russian residents and are of strategic military value to Moscow for their location and access to the Pacific Ocean. Surrounding waters and nearby Sakhalin are also rich in fishing resources and offshore oil and gas reserves.
Implications
Putin's appearance at the drills and his visit to the Kurils reinforce Russia's territorial claims and military posture in the region. The move sends a clear signal to Japan and Western allies about Moscow's resolve to maintain control and project power in the North Pacific.
Quote: "This visit is absolutely unacceptable," Prime Minister Takaichi said, underscoring Tokyo's strong diplomatic reaction.
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