Russia summons Japan’s ambassador in Moscow after Tokyo lodges a strong protest over President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, also known by Japan as the Northern Territories. Japan’s government condemns the trip as it relates to islands it claims.
The outlets describe the territorial dispute as longstanding and “bitter,” with both countries asserting sovereignty. Russia treats the islands as part of its territory and reacts to diplomatic criticism by raising the matter with Japan’s ambassador. Japan, in turn, frames the protest as a response to the visit.
While the reports differ slightly in wording and emphasis, they converge on the same sequence: Putin makes the trip to the area; Japan issues a formal protest condemning it; and Russia summons the Japanese ambassador as a diplomatic response. One outlet cites the specific island name “Etorofu,” reflecting the geographic focus of Japan’s protest, while others refer more generally to the Kurils/Kuril Islands and the disputed area.
