**Title: Tensions Rise Over Kuril Islands Dispute as Medvedev Warns Japan**
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has issued a stern warning regarding Japan's ongoing claims to the Kuril Islands, asserting that the territory will "forever remain Russian land." His comments come amid escalating tensions between Russia and Japan over the disputed archipelago, which has been a significant point of contention since the end of World War II.
The Kuril Islands, a chain of islands stretching between the northeastern tip of Japan's Hokkaido and Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, came under Soviet control following Japan's defeat in 1945. The islands in dispute include Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and the Habomai islets, which Japan refers to as its "Northern Territories." The disagreement over these territories has hindered the two nations from signing a formal peace treaty for nearly eight decades.
On Thursday, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed strong disapproval of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kurils, labeling it "absolutely unacceptable." Takaichi emphasized that the visit "hurts the feelings of the Japanese people," reflecting the deep-seated emotions surrounding the territorial dispute. In response, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi reiterated Japan's position, stating that the islands are "an inherent part of Japan’s territory both historically and under international law."
The Japanese government took further diplomatic action by summoning Russian Ambassador Nikolay Nozdrev to express its grievances regarding Putin's trip to the islands, as reported by Kyodo News.
Medvedev, who currently serves as the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, responded to Takaichi's remarks on social media platform X, asserting that Japan's claims would not alter the status of the islands. He warned that those who fail to recognize Russia's claim to the territory would face "monstrous consequences," though he did not specify what those consequences might entail.
Putin's visit to Iturup marked a significant moment, as he became only the second sitting Russian president to tour the Kurils, following Medvedev's visit in 2010. During his trip, Putin visited various local facilities, including a fish processing plant, a medical center, and a school, highlighting the region's development.
While addressing the broader context of Russian-Japanese relations, Putin criticized Japan for its recent sanctions against Russia, which he attributed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He expressed confusion over Japan's decision to classify Russia as a major threat in its military doctrine, insisting that Russia poses no threat to Japan and that the territorial claims are the real source of tension.
Putin noted that the status of the Kuril Islands is recognized in international documents as a consequence of World War II and expressed Russia's willingness to seek a resolution to the territorial dispute. He recalled the 1956 declaration signed by Moscow and Tokyo, which was intended to pave the way for a peace agreement, but lamented that Japan later withdrew from the commitment.
The Russian president also pointed out that constructive relations had been established with several Japanese leaders in the past, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who made significant efforts to bridge the gap between the two nations. However, he expressed concern over what he perceives as a shift in Japan's stance, which he claimed was not provoked by Russia.
As the situation continues to develop, the Kuril Islands dispute remains a critical issue in Russian-Japanese relations, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions. The ongoing dialogue, marked by strong rhetoric and diplomatic protests, underscores the complexities of international relations in the region and the historical legacies that continue to influence contemporary politics.