Updated

Updated · EADaily · Aug 18

Russia Protests Japan Over Putin's Iturup Visit, Warning of Countermeasures in 4-Island Kuril Dispute

Updated

Updated · EADaily · Aug 18

Russia Protests Japan Over Putin's Iturup Visit, Warning of Countermeasures in 4-Island Kuril Dispute

Q: What secret countermeasures is Moscow planning against Japan as the Kuril Islands dispute reaches a boiling point?

There is no public evidence that Moscow has announced any specific “secret” countermeasures against Japan. What Russia has said openly is that it “reserves the right to take appropriate countermeasures” in response to Japan’s protest over Vladimir Putin’s visit to Iturup, Tokyo’s sanctions on Russia, and Japan’s support for Ukraine. Based on Russia’s recent behavior and the state of bilateral ties, the most plausible measures are diplomatic and administrative rather than covert. Moscow has already suspended peace treaty talks with Japan and halted visa-free exchanges linked to the disputed islands. It could further downgrade dialogue, restrict remaining bilateral cooperation, or harden access and travel rules connected to the islands. A military signal is also possible, though not officially announced as a new measure. Russia has expanded its military presence on the Kurils in recent years and regularly conducts drills there. That makes additional exercises, infrastructure upgrades, or stronger symbolic displays of control more likely than any undisclosed retaliatory move. The dispute is intensifying because Putin’s visit directly challenged Japan’s claim to the islands, while Russia is linking the issue to the broader breakdown in relations since the Ukraine war. For now, Moscow’s warning appears deliberately vague, aimed at deterrence and pressure rather than revealing a concrete new plan.

3 articles · Updated · EADaily · Aug 18

Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin lodged a strong protest with Japanese Ambassador Akira Muto in Moscow over Tokyo's criticism of Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup Island.
Russia said Japan's statements by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi were anti-Russian, insisting its sovereignty over the southern Kuril Islands is inviolable.
Sergei Lavrov escalated the response, accusing Japan of evading historical responsibility and trying to remake international law while aligning closely with the United States.
Moscow also tied the dispute to Japan's support for Western sanctions and Kyiv, saying it reserves the right to take adequate countermeasures.
The row revives the long-running dispute over four southern Kuril islands seized by the Soviet Union in World War II, which still blocks a formal peace treaty.