Volodin Warns Japan on WWII History and Kuril Sovereignty
Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin warned Japanese politicians against revising WWII outcomes, emphasizing Soviet contributions to defeating Japan and the historical legitimacy of Russia's sovereignty over the southern Kuril Islands. The Russian Foreign Ministry also protested Japan's reaction to Putin's visit to Iturup Island.
Consensus
- The 81st anniversary of the victory over militarist Japan is approaching on September 3.
- Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration and signed the Instrument of Surrender in 1945.
- The Soviet Union defeated the Kwantung Army in Manchuria, which ended Japan's war efforts.
- The Soviet Union lost 27 million people during the Great Patriotic War.
- The southern Kuril Islands, totaling 10,000–10,500 sq km, became part of the Soviet Union after WWII.
- The Russian Foreign Ministry protested Japan's reaction to President Putin's visit to Iturup Island.
- Russia asserts that its sovereignty over the southern Kuril Islands is unchangeable and based on international agreements.
- Japan is accused of downplaying wartime crimes committed by its military in China, Korea, and Southeast Asia.
- Japan was officially recognized as an aggressor during the Tokyo Trials (1946–1948).
Points of divergence
- The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Japanese ambassador in Moscow on August 18 in response to statements by Japanese leadership regarding Putin's visit to Iturup. — vedomosti
- The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed a 'firm protest' to Japan over its reaction to Putin's visit to Iturup, but did not mention the date of the diplomatic protest. — kommersant
- The total area of the 56 Kuril Islands is over 10,000 sq km. — vedomosti
- The total area of the 56 Kuril Island is 10,500 sq km. — kommersant
Coverage (2 sources)
- Vologdin: Today's Japanese politicians should remember history and its lessons — Ведомости
- Vologdin reminded Japan of the role of the USSR in the defeat of the Kwantung Army — Коммерсантъ