US backs Japanese sovereignty over disputed islands after Putin visit

The United States has reaffirmed its support for Japan's sovereignty over four disputed islands controlled by Russia, following a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the territory. The islands, known as the Northern Territories, have been a point of contention between Japan and Russia since the Soviet Union seized them in 1945. The US ambassador to Tokyo, George Glass, stated that Washington remains "unwavering" in its recognition of Japanese sovereignty over the islands, which are located off the coast of Hokkaido. This statement comes after Putin became the first Russian president in 15 years to visit the disputed territory, prompting Japan to summon Moscow's ambassador and consider tightening sanctions against Russia.

The dispute over the Northern Territories has long been a source of tension between Japan and Russia, preventing the two countries from signing a peace treaty that would formally end their hostilities. The Japanese government maintains that the islands, which include Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and Habomai, are part of its territory that was illegally occupied by the Soviet Union and has been continued to be occupied by Russia since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. Russia, on the other hand, has reinforced its military presence on the islands, deploying coastal defence missile systems and setting up an air base on Etorofu Island. The islands are strategically significant to the Kremlin, providing access to the open Pacific and giving Russia's Pacific Fleet a military advantage. The visit by Putin has been seen as a provocative move, with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi describing it as "absolutely unacceptable" and offending the sentiments of the Japanese people.

The consequences of Putin's visit are likely to be far-reaching, with Japan considering strengthening its sanctions against Russia as part of its countermeasures. The visit has already hardened Japanese public sentiment towards Russia, making it more difficult to restore bilateral relations in the medium to long term. Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has summoned Russian Ambassador Nikolay Nozdrev to lodge a strong protest over the visit, while the US has reiterated its support for Japan's sovereignty over the islands. The dispute over the Northern Territories is part of a broader context of strained relations between Japan and Russia, particularly since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Japan has imposed sanctions on Russia and provided financial support to Ukraine, prompting Russia to designate Japan as an "unfriendly state". The latest developments are likely to further escalate tensions between the two countries, with significant implications for regional stability and security.

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