In a diplomatic showdown that underscores the enduring tension over the Southern Kuril Islands, Russia summoned Japan’s ambassador to Moscow on Tuesday. Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin delivered a formal protest to envoy Akira Muto, objecting to remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Prime Minister’s comments spark Moscow’s objection
During a recent press briefing, Takaichi said that President Vladimir Putin’s visit to one of the islands “hurts the feelings of the Japanese people and is absolutely unacceptable.” The statement was joined by similar criticism from Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Moscow characterized both comments as “anti‑Russian” and demanded a retraction.
Russia reaffirms sovereignty
Galuzin told the ambassador that Russia’s sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Southern Kuril Islands are “indisputable” and that any attempt by Japan to question that reality is “unacceptable and unlawful.” The Russian foreign ministry reiterated that the islands legally belong to Russia, a position it has maintained since the Soviet Union seized the four islands in the days following Japan’s World War II surrender.
Historical backdrop and peace‑treaty deadlock
The islands—known in Japan as the Northern Territories—have been a point of contention for eight decades. While Russia administers the territory, Tokyo continues to claim the islands as part of its sovereign land. The dispute has blocked the signing of a formal peace treaty that would normalize relations and potentially unlock broader economic cooperation between the two nations.
Broader geopolitical context
Relations between Russia and Japan have deteriorated sharply since Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Japan joined Western allies in condemning the war and imposing sanctions on Moscow. In response, the Russian statement to Ambassador Muto warned that Moscow reserves the right to take “appropriate countermeasures,” though it offered no specifics.
Ambassador’s response
After receiving the protest, Ambassador Muto left the foreign ministry without commenting to reporters, leaving the next steps of diplomatic engagement unclear.
Implications for regional stability
The latest diplomatic exchange highlights how historical grievances can flare amid broader geopolitical tensions. While the immediate dispute centers on language and protocol, the underlying issue—sovereignty over the Southern Kurils—remains a barrier to a comprehensive peace settlement between Russia and Japan.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
