Putin watches naval drills near Japan’s disputed islands

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin observed Russian navy exercises off Sakhalin Island on Thursday, then traveled to the disputed Kuril Islands. Japan immediately filed a formal protest. The drills took place in the Pacific, near Russia’s far eastern coast. Sakhalin Island lies north of the Kuril chain, which Japan claims as its “Northern Territories.” Putin’s visit to the Kurils is rare for a Russian leader. It signals Moscow’s intent to keep control of the islands, which have blocked a formal peace treaty between the two countries since World War II. Japan says the islands were seized illegally. Russia says the transfer was legal under post-war agreements. The protest came from Japan’s foreign ministry, which called the trip “unacceptable.” No further details were given on possible diplomatic consequences. The naval drills and the visit come as Russia steps up military activity in the Pacific, a region where Japan is a key U.S. ally.