Putin’s Island Visit Signals Growing Russian Naval Reach Near Japan

Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to a northern territory also claimed by Japan. The trip comes as Russian naval activity increases near Japan’s southernmost islands. The timing highlights Russia’s broader military presence around Japan. Tokyo has long disputed ownership of the northern territories, which Moscow calls the Southern Kuril Islands. The naval activity near Japan’s southwestern islands adds to regional tensions. Japan has not commented on Putin’s visit.