Japan Weighs New Russia Sanctions After Putin’s First Visit to Disputed Kuril Islands

Japan is considering new sanctions after Vladimir Putin visited the disputed Kuril Islands for the first time as president, a move Tokyo called “totally unacceptable.” Putin went to Iturup (Etorofu), the largest of four islands Japan claims as the Northern Territories. Japan summoned Russia’s ambassador and lodged a formal protest, while Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reiterated the islands are historically and legally Japanese. Japan’s foreign ministry said it is assessing next steps, including a possible additional sanctions package.