# Putin angers Japan with first visit to Kuril Islands

https://mins.news/en/item/20876

- DW, 2026-08-13 06:06 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/russia-s-putin-angers-japan-with-1st-visit-to-kuril-islands/a-78345291?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> Russian state media reported that President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to the far-eastern Kuril Islands, visiting a fish-processing plant on Iturup. Japan strongly protested, maintaining that the Northern Territories are inherent Japanese territory under history and international law. The dispute has long hindered relations and prevented a formal World War II peace treaty.

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- [Japan protests Putin visit to disputed Kuril island](https://mins.news/en/item/20846) — BBC News, 2026-08-13