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Takaichi Takes Lead in Criticizing Russia as Government Shifts Stance
The United States reaffirmed support for Japan’s sovereignty claim as Tokyo summoned Moscow’s ambassador and weighed tougher sanctions after Putin’s visit.
On Friday, U.S. Ambassador to Tokyo George Glass emphasized "unwavering" support for Japan's sovereignty over the Kuril Islands, one day after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the disputed territory on Thursday.
Putin's Thursday arrival marked the first presidential visit in 15 years to the four islands, which Japan calls the Northern Territories and claims were illegally occupied by the Soviet Union.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the trip "absolutely unacceptable," while Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned Russian Ambassador Nikolay Nozdrev to lodge a formal protest.
Russia's embassy in Japan stated the islands are not "a matter for discussion with foreign states," while Moscow previously designated Japan an "unfriendly state."
The dispute has prevented the two nations from signing a peace treaty ending World War II hostilities, while the islands provide Russia's Pacific Fleet strategic access to open ocean.
Tokyo. The U.S. recognized Japan’s sovereignty over the Kurile Islands yesterday and expressed its “unbreakable” support for Tokyo, through Washington’s ambassador to that country, George Glass.