Putin Visits Kuril Islands Amid Japan Diplomatic Protest

Medinsky declared that the Kuril Islands belong to Russia by indisputable rights of first discovery, first settlement, and victory in World War II.

Consensus

Vladimir Putin visited Iturup Island on August 13.
The visit prompted a diplomatic protest from Japan.
Japan considers the southern Kuril Islands part of its territory.
Russia asserts its sovereignty over the Kuril Islands based on historical and wartime claims.
Vladimir Mединский stated that Russia's right to the islands is based on first discovery, first settlement, and victory in World War II.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador to Tokyo to reaffirm the position on the islands.

The visit by Putin was timely and will have favorable consequences for Russia, and those who challenge Russia's territorial claims will face strong retaliation. — vesti
The visit was described as a strategic move involving a pivot to the northeast, in addition to the previously discussed pivot to the east. — vesti
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the Japanese ambassador to protest Japan's stance on the islands. — m24