Russia asserts sovereignty over South Kuril Islands

Maria Zakharova, a representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has asserted that Russia’s sovereignty and jurisdiction over the South Kuril Islands are not subject to question.

This statement follows comments made by the United States Ambassador to Japan. Zakharova claimed that such remarks by the American diplomat essentially encourage Japanese revanchism and revisionism, which she noted causes increasing concern among Japan’s neighbors.

Additionally, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a sharp protest to the Japanese ambassador regarding anti-Russian statements made by the Japanese Prime Minister. These comments were in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Russian island of Iturup. The South Kuril Islands became part of the USSR following the Second World War.