According to Tasnews, reported on August 18 local time, Russia rejected Japan's accusations regarding Russia's claims of sovereignty over the Kouriles (referred to as the 'Four Northern Islands' by Japan). Russia stated that any such accusations from Japan are 'unacceptable and illegal'.
It is reported that the Russian side has conveyed their stance to Japan's Ambassador to Russia, Takeo Muto. He was summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier that day, stayed there for 25 minutes, and left without making any comments to the media.
According to reports, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that when conveying its position to Japanese Ambassador to Russia Takashi Takeuchi, who was summoned, he learned of Russia’s reiteration—that Russia has sovereignty and jurisdiction over the South Kuril Islands, and this is beyond dispute.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release published on its official website: "This territory is part of the results of World War II, as established in relevant agreements among the Allied nations and the United Nations Charter. Any attempt by Japan to directly or indirectly challenge this established fact is unacceptable and illegal."
summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Japanese Ambassador to Russia, Takeo Matsudo CCTV News
On the 13th of this month, Russian President Putin inspected Iturup Island, located in the South Kuriles (known as "Okioshima" in Japan). This was Putin's first visit to the disputed island in his capacity as president.
Japanese Prime Minister Shioda Takahari immediately declared that this action "harms the feelings of Japanese citizens and is absolutely unacceptable."
The Japanese government subsequently summoned the Russian ambassador to Japan, Nikolai Kozlov, and lodged strong protests.
The Japanese side argues that the four islands of Kitaoshima, Kumejima, Shibujiwa, and Tokunoshima (referred to by Russia as the South Kuril Islands) were illegally occupied by the Soviet Union shortly after Japan surrendered during World War II. The Russian side, however, insists that the occupation was legal. This territorial dispute has led to the two countries not being able to conclude a post-war peace treaty to date.
