Russia to Japan: Kuril Islands to Remain Russian Territory

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko assessed Japan's reaction to Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup Island. Grushko described Japan's response as a typical reaction to such visits. At the 4th Arctic Regions Forum, Grushko commented on the Japanese Foreign Ministry's summons of Russian Ambassador to Tokyo Nikolay Nozdrev and the presentation of a protest note, calling it 'diplomatic activity'. The Russian diplomat pointed out that Japan has never ignored visits by Russian officials to the islands, stating, 'This diplomatic activity will not lead to any outcome. Russian territory will remain Russian in accordance with international law and the decisions made at the end of World War II.' Grushko also stated that Russia had not received any official proposals from Turkey regarding a moratorium on military activities in the Black Sea for the parties involved in the Ukrainian conflict. 'We have been hearing many calls for various types of moratoriums and ceasefires lately. However, we have not received any official proposals.'