Putin Visits Disputed Etorofu Island Off Hokkaido, Sparking Protest From Tokyo

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the disputed Etorofu island off Hokkaido, triggering an official protest from Tokyo. Japan and Russia both claim sovereignty over the island, part of the Kuril chain. Tokyo said the visit violates its position and risks escalating tensions between the two countries. Russia framed the trip as normal and consistent with its authority over the territory. The incident is expected to affect diplomatic engagement, including talks on regional cooperation and security. It also comes as broader relations between Japan and Russia remain strained due to the Ukraine conflict.