Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to the disputed Kuril Islands on August 13, 2026, inspecting local facilities on the island of Iturup and meeting residents there [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]. Putin is the first Russian president to visit the islands since Dmitry Medvedev’s 2010 trip [5, 9].

The Kuril Islands dispute involves four southern islands—Iturup (Etorofu), Kunashir (Kunashiri), Shikotan, and the Habomai islets—all controlled by Russia but claimed by Japan as inherent Japanese territory historically and under international law [1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9]. Around 20,000 Russian citizens now live on the islands, while about 17,000 Japanese residents were deported after the Soviet Union seized the islands at the end of World War II in August 1945 [2, 4, 6]. The dispute has blocked a peace treaty between Russia and Japan since 1945 [1, 2, 4, 7, 9].

On August 13, Putin visited a fish-processing plant, a hospital, a school, and oversaw military exercises on nearby Sakhalin island [2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9]. The day before, he inspected Russian Pacific Fleet exercises and security on Sakhalin [2, 3, 5, 6, 8].

Japan reacted sharply to the visit. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called it “absolutely unacceptable” and said it offended Japanese public sentiment, stating the Northern Territories are “an inherent part of Japan’s territory” [2, 4, 5, 9]. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said, “The islands are an inherent part of Japan’s territory both historically and under international law” [1].

Putin said Russia is not threatening Japan, but that Japan’s territorial claims against Russia represent a source of tension. He noted changes in Japan’s position were “not provoked in any way on our part” [2, 4, 5, 7].

Relations between the two countries have worsened since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and Japan’s sanctions [2, 4, 5, 7, 8].

The Kuril Islands dispute remains unresolved as Russia asserts control and Japan continues to contest sovereignty. Putin’s visit comes amid continued military and diplomatic signaling in the region.

Officials will watch closely for any further diplomatic or security developments following Putin’s visit to the islands.