
Aug 18, 2026
✦Reuters
Russia protests to Japanese ambassador over Takaichi's 'anti-Russian' remarks
Russia protested to Japan’s ambassador on Tuesday over anti-Russian remarks made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The dispute involves islands seized by the Soviet Union after World War Two. Moscow said, "Russia's sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Southern Kuril Islands are indisputable." This long row continues to block a peace treaty.