Vladimir Putin visited the Southern Chishima Islands, territories seized from Japan during World War II, escalating long-standing territorial disputes between Moscow and Tokyo.

The visit occurred as Japan maintains its postwar claim over the islands, known as the Kuril Islands in Russia. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has publicly criticized Putin, joining Western allies in condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Tokyo responded with strong diplomatic protests, with Takaichi previously denouncing Putin's policies and supporting sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine conflict. The island chain dispute remains a major obstacle to a bilateral peace treaty between Japan and Russia.

The timing of Putin's visit coincides with heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, as Japan continues aligning with Western sanctions regimes while pursuing resolution of the territorial issue through diplomatic channels.