Japan summons Russian envoy after Putin visits disputed islands

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to journalists at her office in Tokyo Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands, a Russian-controlled Pacific island chain also claimed by Japan. (AP)

TOKYO: Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned the Russian ambassador on Thursday to “strongly protest” against President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Kuril islands claimed by both countries, Tokyo said.
“Upon learning reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin had visited Etorofu Island on August 13, we summoned Russian Ambassador to Japan Nikolai Nozdrev to the foreign ministry and lodged a strong protest,” the ministry said in a statement.