Eu Day Light

The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Japan's Ambassador to Moscow Akira Muto to the ministry on August 18.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin lodged a strong protest with the Japanese diplomat over what he described as anti-Russian statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup Island.

The Russian side emphasized that Russia's sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Southern Kuril Islands remain unchanged.

The statement argued that the territories became part of Russia after World War II under relevant agreements and the Charter of the United Nations.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said, “Any attempt by Japan to directly or indirectly question this indisputable fact is absolutely unacceptable and unlawful.”

Moscow also warned the Japanese ambassador that it reserves the right to take appropriate countermeasures in response to Tokyo's continued support for Western countries' sanctions policy against Russia and its backing of the Kyiv government.