Russia-Japan relations

Russia threatens Japan with countermeasures as Kuril Islands dispute flares

Russia lodged a formal protest with Japan and threatened countermeasures over Tokyo’s criticism of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Kuril Islands, its sanctions against Moscow and its support for Ukraine.

18 August, 06:00 PM

Putin counters Japan’s assertive new defense policy with visit to disputed Kuril islands – ISW

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands, whose occupation by Russia Japan disputes, for the first time on August 13, likely in response to the more assertive defense policy Japan has recently adopted, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on August 13.

14 August, 11:23 AM

Medvedev threatens Japan with ‘terrible consequences’ over disputed Kuril Islands

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, the aggressor state, threatened Japan over the status of the Kuril Islands in a post on X on Aug. 13.

13 August, 02:26 PM

Putin visits disputed Kurils for first time since taking power, drawing protest

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands for the first time since coming to power, prompting a strong protest from Japan, which says the territories belong to it.

13 August, 11:23 AM

Japan turns to Russian crude as Middle East energy risks intensify

Japanese refiner Taiyo Oil has resumed purchases of Russian crude as Tokyo looks for alternatives to Middle Eastern supplies amid growing risks to global energy shipments, Nikkei Asia reported on May 2.

2 May, 11:18 AM

‘Absolutely unacceptable decision’: Russia bans entry to 30 Japanese citizens in response to Tokyo sanctions

Russia has banned 30 Japanese citizens from entering the country after Tokyo imposed sanctions against Moscow for its war on Ukraine, Reuters reported on Nov. 11. Japan called the move “absolutely unacceptable.”

12 November 2025, 11:14 AM

Russia-Japan relations