Russia summons Japan's envoy over Putin's Kuril visit

Last week, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador following President Putin's visit to the island of Iturup. Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Japan's ambassador Akira Muto, according to the Russian state agency TASS.

Consensus

Russia summoned Japan's ambassador, Akiro Muto, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 18.
The summons followed Japan's protest over President Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup Island on August 13.
Russia stated that sovereignty over the southern Kuril Islands is 'indisputable' and that any attempts by Japan to challenge it are 'unacceptable and unlawful'.
Japan had previously summoned Russia's ambassador in Tokyo to protest the visit.
The Japanese ambassador did not respond to journalists' questions during his visit to the Russian MFA.
The ambassador was initially unable to attend on August 14 or 17, prompting criticism from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Russia emphasized that the islands were transferred to the USSR after World War II under agreements among Allied powers and the UN Charter.
The territorial dispute over the southern Kuril Islands remains unresolved between Russia and Japan.

Points of divergence

The Japanese ambassador was initially unable to attend the meeting on August 14 and 17 due to unclear reasons, which surprised Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. — vm
After Lavrov's remarks, the ambassador reportedly 'felt much better' and arrived on August 18. — vm
Lavrov stated the ambassador was 'immediately summoned' after Japan's protest, and that the ambassador was expected to understand how to conduct himself in Russia. — interfax
Japan claimed the disputed islands are 'inherently Japanese' from both historical and international legal perspectives. — vedomosti
The U.S. ambassador to Japan stated that Washington recognizes Japan's sovereignty over the Kuril Islands. — vedomosti
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, warned that anyone who does not accept Russia's claim will face 'terrible consequences'. — vm
Japan is considering tightening sanctions against Russia in response to Putin's visit. — tg_echoonline_news
The UN called on Russia and Japan to exercise restraint after Putin's visit. — vm

Coverage (15 sources)

Ambassador of Japan summoned to Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Last week, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador after Putin's trip to the island... — ЭХО / Новости
18 August Ambassador of Japan in Russia A.Muto was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. — МИД России
Japan's Ambassador to Russia Akira Muto left the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs building — Вести
Ambassador of Japan left the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Интерфакс
Japanese ambassador summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs left the diplomatic building after 25 minutes — Вечерняя Москва
Japan's ambassador arrived at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Коммерсантъ
On August 18, Japan's Ambassador to the Russian Federation, A. Muto, was summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. — МИД России
Ambassador of Japan arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia — Ведомости
After protests in Japan over Putin's trip to Iturup, Japan's ambassador finally arrived at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Фонтанка
Foreign Ministry summoned Japanese ambassador in Moscow after Tokyo's remarks on Putin's trip to Iturup, Lavrov stated. However, the diplomat could not come for unclear... — РИА Новости (Telegram)
Japanese ambassador summoned left Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs without comment — Москва 24
Zakhrova: Japan's ambassador in Moscow will arrive at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs tomorrow — Коммерсантъ
Japanese ambassador will arrive at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 18 following Lavrov's remarks — Ведомости
Zakharova: Japanese ambassador will arrive at the Russian Foreign Ministry on August 18 due to a summons — Вести
Zakharova said that Japan's ambassador will arrive at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday — Интерфакс

Russia summons Japan's envoy over Putin's Kuril visit

Consensus

Points of divergence

Coverage (15 sources)

Key entities

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