# Putin visited Kuril island to 'punish' Japan over Ukraine stance

https://mins.news/en/item/24124

- DW, 2026-08-17 11:47 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/putin-visited-kuril-to-punish-japan-over-ukraine-stance/a-78398035?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> Russian President Vladimir Putin's first visit to one of the disputed Kuril Islands prompted an angry Japanese reaction. Analysts said the trip sent a message over Tokyo's support for Ukraine and closer ties with European NATO members, while also serving to rally patriotic support in Russia. The visit further worsened the longstanding territorial dispute.

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