Why in News?
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently visited the Kuril Islands for the first time, drawing a strong protest from Japan. The visit highlights the long-running Russia–Japan territorial dispute over the southern Kuril Islands, which Japan refers to as the Northern Territories.
About Kuril Islands
The Kuril Islands are a volcanic island chain located between the southern tip of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula and Japan’s northeastern island of Hokkaido. The archipelago separates the Sea of Okhotsk from the Pacific Ocean.
President Putin visited Iturup, one of the southernmost islands of the Kuril chain, where he visited a fish-processing plant, hospital and school.
Japan claims sovereignty over the four southernmost islands of the Kuril chain, namely Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and the Habomai Islands, which it collectively calls the Northern Territories.
The dispute dates back to the final stages of World War II, when the Soviet Union seized the four southernmost islands from Japan following its military offensive against Japanese territory.
The territorial dispute has prevented Russia and Japan from signing a formal peace treaty to officially end their World War II hostilities.
In recent years, Russia has strengthened its military presence in the Kuril Islands, reinforcing its strategic position and sovereignty claims over the disputed territory.
Geographical Significance
The Kuril Islands form an important geographical link between Russia and Japan and occupy a strategically significant position in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
The islands are predominantly volcanic and sparsely populated and separate the Sea of Okhotsk from the Pacific Ocean.
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