# Putin visits the Kuril Islands for the first time as Japan issues a strong protest

https://mins.news/en/item/21008

- Meduza, 2026-08-13 09:06 UTC
- World
- Original: https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/08/13/putin-visits-the-kuril-islands-for-the-first-time-japan-issues-a-strong-protest

> Vladimir Putin has made his first visit to the Kuril Islands, traveling to Iturup and visiting local facilities. Japan’s Foreign Ministry said it “strongly protests” the trip. Putin blamed Tokyo for changing its position on the islands and said the shift was unprovoked by Russia.

## Related coverage

- [Japan protests Putin’s first visit to disputed islands](https://mins.news/en/item/21375) — France 24, 2026-08-13
- [Putin's first visit to Pacific islands claimed by Japan draws Tokyo protest](https://mins.news/en/video/21324) — The Associated Press, 2026-08-13
- [Putin visits disputed Kuril Islands](https://mins.news/en/item/21271) — France 24, 2026-08-13
- [FACTBOX: Putin personally visits Kuril Islands for first time](https://mins.news/en/item/20957) — TASS, 2026-08-13