Putin Visits Iturup Island Amid Tensions

Moscow, Aug 13: The development of the Kuril Islands and the Northern Sea Route opens colossal strategic opportunities for Russia.

Consensus

Vladimir Putin visited Iturup, the largest island of the Kuril chain, on August 13.
The visit included an inspection of the fish processing plant 'Yasny'.
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed concern that the visit complicated relations between Tokyo and Moscow.
Russia asserts sovereignty over the Kuril Islands based on historical and legal grounds.

Yuri Tavrovsky, Deputy Chairman of the Russian-Chinese Friendship Society, stated that the development of the Kuril Islands and the Northern Sea Route offers Russia immense strategic opportunities, and that Putin's visit was timely and will have favorable consequences. — vesti
Tavrovsky claimed that those who challenge Russia's territorial claims, even in dreams, will face strong retaliation. — vesti
Vladimir Medinsky stated that Russia's claim to the Kuril Islands is based on undisputed rights of first discovery, first settlement, and victory in World War II. — tg_tass_agency