Key facts
- Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup Island in the Kuril Islands chain.
- Japan claims the Kuril Islands as its inherent territory.
- Moscow asserts the islands became Russian following World War II.
- Japan formally protested Vladimir Putin's visit to the islands.
- Japan asserted its sovereignty over the islands.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup Island, located in the Kuril Islands chain. This visit has prompted a strong protest from Japan, which claims the islands as its inherent territory. Moscow, however, asserts that the islands became Russian following World War II. Japan formally protested the visit, reiterating its assertion of sovereignty over the islands.