Russia summons Japan ambassador over PM's criticism of Putin visit

Russia's Foreign Ministry called in Japan's ambassador to Moscow on Thursday to lodge a formal protest against remarks made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands, according to diplomatic sources. The Japanese premier had characterized the Russian leader's trip as provocative and criticized Moscow's military posture in the region.

The Kuril Islands remain a long-standing point of contention between Russia and Japan. Moscow controls the archipelago following World War II, but Tokyo claims sovereignty over the southern portion, known as the Northern Territories in Japan. Putin's visit to the islands underscored Russian control over the disputed territory and marked a symbolic reassertion of Moscow's position.

Takaichi's comments, delivered during recent parliamentary proceedings, represented Japan's strongest objections to Russia's actions in the region. A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman indicated that Moscow viewed the remarks as unwarranted interference in Russian internal affairs and a deliberate mischaracterization of the president's legitimate activities.

The diplomatic incident comes amid broader geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region and reflects Japan's alignment with Western nations opposing Russian policies. Tokyo has previously joined international sanctions against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine and has expressed concerns about Russian military activities near Japanese territory.