"Russia uses the same imperial playbook everywhere": Kyiv condemns Putin's visit to Kuril Islands

Ukraine's acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has commented on Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup, known in Japan as Etorofu, describing Russia's control of the island as an occupation of Japanese territory and calling on international partners to further isolate and increase pressure on Russia.

Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter)

Quote: "Putin's provocative visit to Japan's Etorofu island demonstrates utter disrespect to Japan and represents a deliberate attempt to intimidate, escalate tensions and normalise illegal occupation.

However, no provocative visits can change the reality: Etorofu is part of Japan's Northern Territories, occupied by Russia.

We believe that Putin's visit to Etorofu also proves that Moscow only understands the language of strength. The aggressive Russian regime does not appreciate, respect, or reciprocate constructive steps."

Details: Sybiha said Ukraine's stance on the issue remains unwavering, as Japan's sovereignty over the Northern Territories – as Japan refers to the four southernmost Kuril Islands – is based on historical facts and international law.

"Russia uses the same imperial playbook everywhere. It occupies foreign land, militarises it, threatens its neighbours, and then tries to make the world accept the illegal as irreversible. Ukraine knows this pattern all too well. It must not succeed, whether in Europe or in the Pacific," he noted.

The foreign minister also expressed solidarity with Japan and called on international partners to condemn Putin's visit to Iturup, reject any attempt to normalise Russia's occupation, further isolate Russia and step up sanctions pressure.

The Kuril Islands belonged to Japan until 1945 but are now controlled by Russia. Japan claims the four southernmost islands and has long demanded their return. The Soviet Union annexed the chain of islands at the end of World War II and deported around 17,000 Japanese residents.

In 2022, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree recognising the Kuril Islands as Japanese territory temporarily occupied by Russia.

Background:

• On Thursday 13 August, Putin travelled to Sakhalin Oblast, where the Kuril Islands are located, to observe the final stage of exercises conducted by Russia's Pacific Fleet. He also visited Iturup during the trip.
• Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has criticised Putin's visit to Iturup, the largest of the disputed Kuril Islands. In response, Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, called the islands "Russian land" and threatened anyone who disagreed with "monstrous consequences".

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