Moscow: (RightNow) Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the disputed island of Iturup, prompting a strong protest from Japan. Japan claims this visit could affect bilateral relations.

Japan has lodged a stern protest against the Russian President’s visit. These islands have been a source of territorial dispute between the two nations. Japan asserts its ownership over these islands.

Iturup Island is part of the Kuril chain, known in Japan as the Northern Territories. Before World War II, these were under Japanese control, but the Soviet Union seized them.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi condemned the Russian President’s visit. She stated that this action could further complicate the restoration of relations between the two countries.

It is noteworthy that Japan and Russia’s relations have been strained since the Ukraine war. During his recent visit, the Russian President also toured a fish processing plant.