According to a report by Japan's Kyodo News, residents of Svalbard Island, one of the four northern islands (referred to as the "Southern Kuril Islands" by Russia), said that Russian President Putin arrived near the island on the 13th by taking the flagship of the Russian Pacific Fleet, the missile cruiser "Varyag," and then entered the island by ferry.
According to reports, it is rare for Russian leaders to visit the four northern islands by plane rather than by military ships. This may be the first time such a situation occurs.
According to reports, during this season every year, flights around the four northern islands are often canceled due to thick fog and other factors. It is possible that Putin chose the sea route in order to ensure his travel.
On the 12th, Putin boarded the Varyag in Nan-Sakharlin, the capital of Sakhalin Oblast, to observe the Pacific Fleet's exercises. He also held a meeting with the fleet commander and other senior officers.
On August 13, the Kremlin announced that Putin inspected a fish processing factory on Iputrupe Island that day and tasted caviar produced locally. Afterwards, he also visited hospitals and schools on the island, and engaged in conversations with students.
According to Kyodo News, there are no docks on the island suitable for the docking of large ships like the Varyag. After completing his inspection, Putin left aboard a government plane.
This is Putin's first visit to the South Kakhovka Islands. Previously, Russian leaders have visited the islands several times; Medvedev visited the islands four times, once as President and three times as Prime Minister. The current Russian Prime Minister Mishustin has also inspected the South Kakhovka Islands.
