Russian Foreign Ministry responds to Japan's protest over Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands
The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Japanese ambassador for a serious discussion. The reason for this was an official protest expressed by the Japanese government following Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent trip to one of the islands in the Kuril chain.
Official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova stated that the Russian side reminded the diplomat of historical facts. According to the ministry representative, Russia paid a huge price for the right to own these territories following the results of World War II. Moscow emphasizes that Russia's sovereignty over the Kuril Islands is not subject to doubt.
The Russian agency noted that any attempts by Tokyo to express dissatisfaction with the actions of the Russian leadership on its own territory are inappropriate. Russia views the trips of its officials to the Far East as an internal affair of the state.
The situation surrounding the Kuril Islands has remained a complex issue in relations between the two countries for many decades. Despite regular diplomatic contacts, the positions of Moscow and Tokyo on the issue of ownership of the islands remain diametrically opposed.
At the moment, no official comments from the Japanese side have been received following the meeting at the Foreign Ministry. It is expected that both countries will continue to adhere to their current positions on this issue.