The Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, asserted that Iturup Island, part of the southern Kuril Islands, is unquestionably Russian territory. Her comments followed a protest voiced by Japanese authorities in response to Yuri Trutnev, the presidential envoy for the Far Eastern Federal District, visiting the region. In a brief message on her messaging channel, Zakharova pressed the point that Tokyo should recognize the reality on the ground and adjust its stance accordingly. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs statements.
Disagreement over the Kuril Islands has long framed Moscow-Tokyo relations. The cluster of islands has repeatedly been described as a potential hurdle to any postwar peace treaty between the two nations. Japan continues to claim Kunashir, Shikotan, Iturup, and Habomai, anchored in interpretations of historical treaties and postwar arrangements. Tokyo points to the 1855 Bilateral Treaty on Trade and Borders, arguing that parts of the southern Kurils were ceded to Japan by the Russian Empire. Moscow counters that sovereignty over these islands traces back to the Soviet era and the postwar order, asserting that the southern Kurils are integral to Russia and that the USSR’s successor retains incontestable rights over them. These competing narratives reflect deeper questions about history, security, and regional alignment in Northeast Asia. Source: official statements and historical analyses.
Earlier, Tokyo criticized the Russian Foreign Ministry for its characterization of the Kuril developments as an “invasion,” a phrasing that fed tensions and prompted renewed diplomatic exchanges. The exchange underscores how language used by state actors can influence perceptions of sovereignty and strategic intent, especially in a region where maritime boundaries, fishing rights, and security alliances are closely intertwined. Analysts note that even seemingly technical debates about maps and treaties can have real consequences for people living in adjacent areas and for broader regional diplomacy. Source: diplomatic press briefings and regional analyses.