Japan protests Putin's first visit to disputed islands

Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to the Kuril islands on Thursday, marking his first visit to the far-eastern territory as president. Specifically, he visited Iturup, which is one of four islands in the chain claimed by both Russia and Japan.

The visit prompted an immediate and strong reaction from Tokyo. The Japanese government protested the trip, officially describing the Russian leader's visit to the disputed territory as "absolutely unacceptable."

The islands have long been a source of territorial dispute between Moscow and Tokyo, stemming from sovereignty claims made by both nations over the four southernmost islands of the Kuril chain.