Japan has not announced countermeasures following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, citing uncertainty in U.S. policy and concerns over increased Russian military cooperation with China and North Korea.
The muted response from Japan to Putin's visit to the disputed islands highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions in Northeast Asia and the complex strategic calculations involved in dealing with Russia, particularly in light of its alliances and the broader international response to the war in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the disputed Kuril Islands, a territory claimed by Japan, on August 13. Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated the visit was "absolutely unacceptable" and incompatible with Japan's position on the Northern Territories, which Japan calls the islands. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned the Russian Ambassador to lodge a strong protest, but the Russian Embassy dismissed the protest as "unfounded," asserting the islands are part of Russia.
Despite the protest, Japan has not announced any diplomatic or economic countermeasures. This inaction is reportedly due to a lack of clarity on how Washington plans to approach Moscow and concerns about potential increased Russian military cooperation with China and North Korea. Putin, who also attended drills by Russia’s Pacific Fleet before the island visit, stated that Russia was prepared to seek a solution for a peace treaty with Japan, but noted that Japan's sanctions following the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine had strained their relationship.
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