According to Russia Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a press conference on the evening of September 1 local time that he was not surprised by Japan's stance regarding his earlier inspection of the Kola Islands (controversial islands between Russia and Japan, known as the Northern Four Islands). "What surprises me is their attitude towards all of Russia. We have not taken any measures to worsen Russian-Japanese relations. We have always treated them with care. Everything that has happened in Russian-Japanese relations, and the deterioration of our relationship, is entirely the responsibility of the Japanese government. What have we done to Japan? Nothing."
Putin also stated that Japan bears full responsibility for the interruption of negotiations on the Russo-Japanese peace treaty. "I have said that we are ready to continue discussing the issue of the peace treaty, and we have also addressed the humanitarian issues related to Japanese citizens visiting the South Kuril Islands and other areas. We have responded positively to many issues. Signing the peace treaty is a complex matter, and for us, it is a decision that has been made. However, we are still willing to discuss it with them."
Putin added, "They started to deteriorate our relations step by step without any basis and when we were not provoking them at all. What does that have to do with us? Since you insist on worsening the relations between the two countries, then let them go. We feel sorry about this, but it is completely their fault."
Previously, Putin landed on Iturup Island, which is part of the Northern Territories disputed by Russia and Japan, and Japan strongly protested this move.
According to a report by the Japanese Kyodo News on August 31, Putin mentioned the issue of landing on the island during a meeting with education-related officials and others held in Moscow on the 29th. He expressed admiration for the local rich resources of tuna and whales. This may be the first time Putin has shared his thoughts after visiting on the 13th of this month in a public setting.
Putin spread his arms during the speech and said, "When I walk along the coast, big tuna jump out of the water." He also mentioned that "whales are swimming everywhere, and sharks are chasing the tuna."
Furthermore, Putin also stated that “an heroic past, present prosperity and a future of flourishing” will make Russia even stronger.
On August 13th, Putin visited the disputed Russian-Japanese island of the South Kuriles, causing new tensions in Russian-Japanese relations. According to Tass, this was Putin's first visit to the South Kuriles.
The issue of the sovereignty over the South Kuriles is one of the major obstacles to the development of relations between Russia and Japan. It is also because of this dispute that Russia and Japan have yet to conclude a peace treaty since the end of World War II. Japan's condemnation and sanctions against Russia regarding the conflict with Ukraine have interrupted negotiations on issues related to the disputed islands.
