Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on 18 August sharply rebuked the Japanese government, advising its leadership to focus on domestic affairs rather than directing what he called rhetorical attacks at Russia. The remarks came in direct response to Tokyo's protests over Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup Island — known as Etorofu in Japan — one of the disputed Southern Kuril Islands, which Japan refers to as the Northern Territories.

What Lavrov Said

Lavrov levelled a pointed accusation at Tokyo, alleging that Japan was attempting to reshape international law to suit itself and its ally, the United States, while simultaneously eroding its own three non-nuclear principles and pushing its military toward overseas operations previously barred under the Japanese Constitution.

'If they hope to divert attention from this plainly aggressive militaristic course by launching such, excuse my blunt choice of words, rhetorical broadsides against Russia and accusing us of violating international law, I would advise them to mind their own business. They have plenty of such problems at home,' Lavrov said.

Putin's Visit and Japan's Protest

President Putin made his first-ever visit to the disputed island on 13 August, a move that drew an immediate and strong reaction from Tokyo. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi 'strongly protested' the visit at a press conference, underscoring the enduring sensitivity of the territorial dispute that has prevented the two countries from signing a formal peace treaty since the end of World War II.

The Ambassador Standoff

The diplomatic friction deepened when the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Japanese Ambassador to Russia Akira Muto over the row. Muto initially did not confirm his appearance at the ministry, citing personal health reasons. However, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova subsequently disclosed that Muto had 'suddenly felt much better' and would proceed to the Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

Broader Context

The Southern Kuril Islands dispute is one of the longest-running territorial standoffs in post-war Asia. Russia has administered the islands since 1945, while Japan has consistently claimed sovereignty. The dispute has blocked a formal peace treaty between the two nations for nearly eight decades. Putin's visit to Iturup — the first by a sitting Russian president — signals Moscow's intent to assert its presence on the islands more visibly, particularly at a time when Russia-Japan relations have deteriorated sharply over the war in Ukraine. Lavrov's remarks suggesting Japan is pursuing an 'aggressive militaristic course' reflect a broader Russian narrative framing Western-aligned nations as the aggressors in the current global order.

With the Japanese ambassador now set to meet Russian officials, diplomatic channels remain open — though a resolution to the underlying territorial dispute appears as distant as ever.