Russian President Visits Disputed Kuril Islands, Raising Tensions with Japan In a move that is likely to heighten tensions with neighboring Japan, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a historic visit to the Kuril islands, a chain of islands that has been a longstanding source of contention between the two nations. The Kurils, which Russia annexed from Japan in the final days of World War II, are a vital strategic location, with rich natural resources and a significant military presence. Japan has long claimed sovereignty over the islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japanese, and the visit is expected to further strain already fragile relations between the two countries. The move is seen as a bold assertion of Russia's control over the islands, and is likely to be met with strong opposition from Tokyo.
It was the first time the Russian leader had visited the Kuril islands, according to state media.
