US responds to Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands

The US Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, stressed that Japan is the United States' "most important ally" and can count on unwavering support.

Washington clearly recognizes Japan's sovereignty over the Northern Territories, the term Japan uses for the Kuril Islands.

"Japan and the United States are working together through our alliance to promote prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region. We firmly oppose any actions that could undermine peace and stability in the region," Glass said.

What preceded it

On August 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup Island for the first time. During the trip, he toured the Yasny fish-processing plant and met with local residents. Tokyo immediately responded to Putin's visit by lodging a strong protest.

The same day, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the disputed islands are an integral part of Japan's territory and criticized Putin's trip.

Japan also summoned Russian Ambassador Nikolay Nozdryov to deliver an official protest.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry also condemned Putin's visit, saying the Kremlin was attempting to intimidate Japan and legitimize the occupation of foreign territory, while expressing Kyiv's full solidarity with Tokyo.

In addition, on August 14, it emerged that Japan is preparing a tougher response to the Russian leader's trip. Possible measures include further tightening sanctions against Moscow.

RBC-Ukraine also reported that analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe Putin's visit to the disputed islands was part of the Kremlin's response to Japan's 2026 Defense White Paper. Published in early August, the document reflects the government of Sanae Takaichi's policy of strengthening the country's defense capabilities.